Beef Nachos Jalapenos Cheese (Printable version)

Tortilla chips layered with flavorful beef, melted cheese, and fresh jalapenos for a spicy snack.

# What you'll need:

→ Beef Mixture

01 - 9 oz ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp chili powder
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 2 tbsp water

→ Nacho Assembly

11 - 7 oz tortilla chips
12 - 5 oz shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 2 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
14 - 2-3 fresh jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced
15 - 2 tbsp sliced black olives
16 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

→ To Serve

17 - Sour cream
18 - Salsa
19 - Guacamole
20 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 4-5 minutes.
03 - Add onion and garlic to the skillet; sauté for 2 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release flavors.
05 - Add tomato paste and water. Mix well and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
06 - Arrange tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
07 - Evenly distribute the beef mixture over the chips.
08 - Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly on top.
09 - Scatter jalapeño slices and black olives over the cheese.
10 - Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
11 - Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The seasoned beef mixture tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen but takes minutes to throw together
  • Everything gets melty and bubbly in one pan, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum snacking
02 -
  • Single-layer chips are crucial or you will have sad soggy chips underneath
  • Let the beef mixture cool slightly before piling on chips to prevent immediate sogginess
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded bags for better melting
  • Layer some cheese between chips and beef if you want extra cheesy goodness throughout

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