Spicy Beef Nacho Platter (Printable Version)

Crispy chips topped with spicy beef, melted cheese, and jalapeños, perfect for sharing at gatherings.

# What You Need:

→ For the Beef

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - ½ tsp cayenne pepper
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper
11 - ½ cup tomato sauce

→ For the Nachos

12 - 10 oz tortilla chips, preferably thick-cut
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
15 - 1 fresh jalapeño, thinly sliced
16 - ¼ cup sliced pickled jalapeños
17 - ½ cup sour cream
18 - ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes
19 - ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
20 - ¼ cup sliced black olives
21 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
04 - Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
05 - Pour in tomato sauce and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the beef is saucy but not watery. Remove from heat.
06 - Arrange half the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Evenly top with half the beef, cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese.
07 - Layer the remaining chips, beef, and cheeses. Sprinkle with fresh and pickled jalapeño slices.
08 - Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
09 - Remove from oven. Top with diced tomatoes, black olives, and cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream or serve it on the side.
10 - Serve immediately with lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The spiced beef filling stays juicy and flavorful instead of drying out like some versions
  • Layering the ingredients creates perfect cheesy pockets in every single bite
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes for impromptu gatherings
02 -
  • Do not overload the chips with beef mixture or they will become soggy before the cheese melts
  • Letting the beef cool slightly before layering helps prevent the chips from getting soft too quickly
  • Sour cream should be added after baking or it will separate and look unappealing
03 -
  • Use a rimmed baking sheet or oven safe platter with deep sides to prevent spills when transferring
  • Let the nachos rest for 3 minutes after baking so the cheese sets slightly and toppings stay in place

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