What’s for dinner tonight? It’s the age old question that can sometimes feel a little stressful, especially on a busy weeknight. You want something delicious and satisfying, but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I totally get it.
That’s where these incredible sheet pan beef nachos come in. They are one of my all time favorite Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes. They’re fun, they’re flavorful, and they come together so fast. It’s a meal that feels like a treat but is surprisingly simple to make.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this nacho recipe. First off, it’s incredibly fast. From start to finish, you can have a hot, cheesy platter of nachos on the table in about 30 minutes. This makes it a real lifesaver on those hectic evenings.
It’s also one of the best Kid Friendly Dinners you can make. What kid doesn’t love chips and cheese? You can customize the spice level and toppings to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. Everyone can get involved in adding their favorite garnishes.
Let’s talk about budget. This is one of those fantastic Cheap Dinners For A Family. Ground beef and pantry staples like spices and chips are easy on the wallet. It’s a great way to serve a crowd without breaking the bank. It feels like a celebration meal without the big price tag.
Honestly, this is the definition of great Easy Meals For Dinner. It’s a one pan wonder, which means cleanup is a breeze. Fewer dishes are always a win in my book. It’s also one of my top choices for Lazy Dinners when I want maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather to create this amazing meal. The ingredients are simple and easy to find at any grocery store.
For The Quick Salsa
- 1 tablespoon minced jalapeño peppers, from 1 pepper (seeded)
- 2 scallions, light and dark green parts, thinly sliced
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, from 1 lime
- 2 small ripe tomatoes, about ¾ pound, cored and diced
For The Spicy Beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90 to 93%)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
For The Nachos
- 1 (10 ounce) bag tortilla chips
- 1 pound (16 ounces) shredded Mexican blend cheese (4 cups)
- 2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced into rounds (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Homemade or store bought guacamole
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s walk through how to make these delicious nachos. It’s one of those Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Step 1: Make The Quick Salsa
First, let’s get the fresh salsa ready. This part is so simple. Grab a small bowl and add your minced jalapeño, sliced scallions, minced garlic, and cilantro. Add in the salt, lime juice, and diced tomatoes.
Give everything a good stir to combine all those bright flavors. Then, just set the bowl aside. The flavors will get to know each other and taste even better by the time the nachos are ready.
Step 2: Cook The Spicy Beef
Now for the savory beef filling. Heat the vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering slightly, add the chopped onion. Cook it for about three minutes, stirring every so often, until it gets soft and translucent.
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for just one more minute. You’ll know it’s ready when you can smell that amazing garlic aroma. Be careful not to let it brown, as it can turn bitter.
It’s time for the beef. Add the ground beef to the skillet along with the chili powder, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and tomato paste. Turn the heat up to medium high. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s no longer pink, which should take about four to five minutes.
Step 3: Assemble The Nachos
This is the fun part! Let’s build our masterpiece. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and moving an oven rack to the middle position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Spread half of your tortilla chips in a single, even layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the cooked beef mixture over the chips. Then, cover it all with about two cups of the shredded cheese and half of the sliced jalapeños. Don’t be shy with the cheese!
Now, repeat the process. Add the rest of the chips, the remaining beef, the last two cups of cheese, and the rest of the jalapeños. This double layer technique ensures that every chip gets some of the good stuff.
Step 4: Bake And Serve
Carefully place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for about seven to ten minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted, bubbly, and oh so gooey. The edges of the chips might get a little toasty, which is delicious.
Once the cheese is perfectly melted, take the nachos out of the oven. The best way to serve them is right on the baking sheet. Place it in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in. Serve with your fresh salsa and other garnishes like sour cream and guacamole.
How To Store Leftovers
What about leftovers? Honestly, nachos are at their peak right out of the oven. Once they cool, the chips can get a bit soft. This is especially true after being refrigerated with all the toppings.
If you anticipate having leftovers, your best bet is to store the components separately. Keep the cooked spicy beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The salsa will also stay fresh in a separate container for a day or two.
When you’re ready for another round, you can quickly assemble a smaller batch and bake it fresh. This keeps everything crispy and delicious. It is a great way to enjoy one of your favorite Easy Meals For Dinner all over again.
Tips
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas. For a different flavor, try using ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef. You could even use black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian version. Just season them the same way.
Feel free to play with the cheese. While a Mexican blend is great, Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack would be wonderful. Using a block of cheese and shredding it yourself often results in a better melt, since pre shredded cheeses have additives to prevent caking.
Don’t be afraid to load up on toppings. Diced avocado, black olives, chopped red onion, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add even more texture and flavor. This is a great way to turn Cheap Dinners For A Family into a really special meal.
A quick safety note about jalapeños. The oils in the peppers can cause a burning sensation on your skin and especially in your eyes. It’s a good idea to wear gloves when handling them. If you don’t have gloves, just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward and avoid touching your face.
Conclusion
So there you have it. A fantastic recipe for loaded beef nachos that truly delivers on flavor and fun. It’s one of the most reliable Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes in my collection. It’s perfect for a family movie night, a casual get together with friends, or just a simple weeknight meal.
The combination of savory beef, fresh salsa, and melted cheese is just so comforting. This recipe proves that Kid Friendly Dinners can be exciting for adults too. Give it a try the next time you need a delicious dinner without the fuss. I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home as well.
FAQ
Can I Make This With Chicken Or Turkey?
Absolutely! This is one of those wonderfully versatile Quick And Easy Dinner Recipes. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken. Just cook it the same way you would the beef. You could also use shredded rotisserie chicken to save even more time.
How Can I Make These Nachos Less Spicy?
To make a milder version, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the beef mixture. For the salsa and topping, make sure to remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños, as that’s where most of the heat is. You can also leave the jalapeño slices off entirely.
What Are Some Other Topping Ideas?
The sky is the limit! Besides the suggested sour cream and guacamole, you could add sliced black olives, corn, black beans, diced red onion, or even a drizzle of queso. Let everyone in the family pick their favorites to make it a truly custom meal. This is a great tip for making fun Kid Friendly Dinners.
Is It Possible To Prepare Parts Of This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. To make your dinner prep even faster, you can make both the spicy beef and the quick salsa a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the nachos and bake. It turns a quick meal into an even quicker one.
Sheet Pan Beef Nachos
These sheet pan beef nachos are a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Ready in about 30 minutes, they’re easily customizable for all tastes.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine minced jalapeño, sliced scallions, minced garlic, fresh cilantro leaves, salt, lime juice, and diced tomatoes. Stir well and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for about three minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet along with chili powder, oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and tomato paste. Increase heat to medium-high and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink (about 4-5 minutes).
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and move an oven rack to the middle position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread half of the tortilla chips in a single layer on the baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the cooked beef mixture over the chips, then cover with about two cups of shredded cheese and half of the sliced jalapeños (if using).
- Repeat the layers with the remaining chips, beef, cheese, and jalapeños.
- Bake for seven to ten minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Serve immediately directly from the baking sheet with fresh salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, if desired.
Notes
If you anticipate having leftovers, store the cooked spicy beef and fresh salsa in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Assemble and bake a fresh batch when ready to eat.
For a different flavor, consider using ground turkey or shredded chicken instead of beef. You can also use black beans or pinto beans for a vegetarian option, seasoned the same way.
Feel free to experiment with cheese varieties like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a spicy pepper jack. Shredding a block of cheese yourself often leads to a better melt than pre-shredded options.
Enhance your nachos with extra toppings such as diced avocado, black olives, chopped red onion, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for added texture and flavor.
When handling jalapeños, wear gloves or wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water afterward to avoid skin irritation, especially around the eyes.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
