Beef Nachos Jalapenos Cheese (Print version)
Crispy chips combined with seasoned beef, two cheeses, and fresh jalapenos for a zesty Tex-Mex snack.
# What you need:
→ Meat
01 - 9 oz ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1–2 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced
05 - 2 tomatoes, diced
06 - 2 spring onions, sliced
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
10 - 1/2 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Cheese
12 - 5 oz shredded cheddar cheese
13 - 3.5 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Chips & Extras
14 - 7 oz tortilla chips
15 - 1/2 cup sour cream
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 3–4 minutes, breaking up with a spoon.
03 - Add onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is soft and beef is browned, about 3 more minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add half the jalapeno slices. Cook for 1–2 minutes for flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
05 - Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
06 - Spoon the cooked beef mixture evenly over the chips.
07 - Sprinkle both cheeses generously over the beef and chips. Add remaining jalapeno slices on top.
08 - Bake in the preheated oven for 7–8 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbling.
09 - Remove from oven. Top with diced tomatoes, spring onions, and cilantro. Serve hot with sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- Everything happens in one pan and one baking sheet, meaning minimal cleanup when you're already tired
- The spice blend hits that perfect balance between smoky and spicy without being overwhelming
02 -
- Drain the excess fat after cooking the beef, or you'll end up with soggy chips that nobody wants to eat
- Spread the chips in a single layer rather than piling them deep, or you'll get those frustrating bottom layers with absolutely no cheese on them
03 -
- Warm your sour cream slightly before serving so it drizzles beautifully instead of plopping in cold clumps
- Squeeze fresh lime over everything right before serving to cut through the richness and wake up all the flavors