You know exactly how it feels when 5 p.m. rolls around and you have zero plan for food. We have all been there. You want something that tastes amazing but does not require hours of standing by the stove. That is exactly where Easy Recipes Dinner solutions come into play. When you think of nachos, you might picture a quick snack or an appetizer at a restaurant. But let me tell you, when you load them up with protein and fresh toppings, they become a legitimate and satisfying meal.
This particular recipe changes the game by combining seasoned ground beef with creamy refried beans right in the pan. This creates a rich, hearty topping that clings to every single chip. It is savory, cheesy, and incredibly fun to eat. If you are on the hunt for Easy Recipes Dinner ideas that bring everyone to the table with a smile, this is the one you need to try tonight.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First of all, this dish is the definition of convenience. When you need Lazy Dinners that still taste like you put in a lot of effort, sheet pan meals are a lifesaver. You do most of the work in one skillet and one baking sheet, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze. It is ideal for those busy weeknights when you just want to relax.
Another reason this recipe rocks is that it fits purely into the category of Cheap Dinners For A Family. Ground beef and canned beans are very affordable protein sources. By stretching the meat with the beans, you get more servings for your money without sacrificing flavor. You can feed a whole group without breaking the bank, which is something we can all appreciate right now.
Finally, this is one of the best Kid Friendly Dinners you can make. Kids love anything they can eat with their hands. Plus, the spice level is mild enough for younger palates, but you can easily ramp up the heat for the adults with fresh jalapeños or hot sauce. It is customizable, fun, and creates a communal dining experience that brings the family together.
Ingredients
To make this Easy Recipes Dinner success, you need a handful of pantry staples and fresh items. Using a homemade spice blend really makes a difference here.
For the spice mix:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
For the nachos:
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef (80 20 lean to fat ratio)
- 16 ounces (2 cups) refried beans, canned or homemade
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups), plus more for topping
- 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated (about 2 cups), plus more for topping
- 1 cup pico de gallo, store bought or homemade, plus more for topping
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño (pickled or fresh), sliced
Optional toppings:
- Guacamole
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Canned black olives
- Sliced green onions
- Shredded lettuce
- Corn
- Hot sauce
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this dish is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure you get crispy chips and melty cheese every time. This approach ensures your Easy Recipes Dinner turns out flawless.
Step 1: Get The Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Having the oven hot and ready is crucial for the toasting step, which helps keep the chips crisp later on.
Step 2: Mix The Spices
In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you are using it. Stir it well so all the flavors are evenly distributed. Making your own blend is healthier and tastier than store bought packets.
Step 3: Cook The Beef and Beans
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and sprinkle your homemade spice blend over it immediately. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
After about 8 minutes, when the beef is browned, drain the excess fat using a colander. Put the meat back into the pan and stir in the refried beans and water. Cook this mixture until it is smooth and hot. Turn the heat to low to keep it warm. Mixing the beans directly with the beef is the secret to a creamy texture.
Step 4: Toast The Chips
Arrange your tortilla chips on a large 13×18 inch oven safe platter or baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, overlapping them just a little bit. Pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want to toast them just until you can smell that lovely corn aroma. This step helps the chips stay crunchy under the toppings.
Step 5: Assemble The Layers
Carefully take the hot chips out of the oven. Immediately sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar and Colby Jack cheese over the hot chips. Let the residual heat melt the cheese slightly. This creates a barrier that protects the chip from getting soggy.
Next, spoon the warm beef and bean mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Finally, top everything with the remaining shredded cheese. Put the pan back into the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve
Remove the nachos from the oven. Now comes the fun part. Top the hot nachos with pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Add any other cold toppings you like, such as sour cream or guacamole, right before serving. Serve it immediately while it is hot.
How To Store Leftovers
Honestly, nachos are best eaten fresh. The chips tend to absorb moisture from the toppings over time. However, if you do have leftovers from this Easy Recipes Dinner, do not throw them away. You can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
To reheat, avoid the microwave as it makes the chips chewy and rubbery. Instead, place the leftovers on a baking sheet and heat them in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly again. It might not be as crisp as the first day, but it will still taste delicious.
Tips
If you want to ensure your Easy Recipes Dinner is a total success, shred your own cheese. Pre shredded cheese from the store contains anti caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. buying a block of cheddar and grating it yourself takes a few extra minutes, but the gooey, melty result is absolutely worth it.
Another tip is to customize the protein. While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken to make it lighter. The spice blend works well with any meat. This versatility is what makes it one of the top Kid Friendly Dinners because you can adapt it to what your family prefers.
Don’t skip the toasting step for the chips. It might seem like a small detail, but it brings out the toasted corn flavor and firms up the chip structure. This is essential when you are piling on heavy toppings like the beef and bean mixture. It ensures that the chip can hold the weight without breaking immediately.
Conclusion
Finding Easy Recipes Dinner options that are satisfying, affordable, and quick does not have to be a struggle. This nacho recipe ticks every single box. It transforms a simple snack concept into a hearty meal that feels like a treat. With the savory beef and bean mixture, the double layer of cheese, and the fresh crunch of pico de gallo, it is a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal stress.
Next time you are staring at the fridge wondering what to cook, remember this recipe. It is one of those Lazy Dinners that feels special. Whether it is a movie night, a casual get together, or just a Tuesday night where you need something comforting, these nachos are the answer. Give it a try and watch how fast the platter disappears.
FAQ
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, absolutely. You can omit the ground beef and double the amount of beans. You could also use a plant based meat alternative or add black beans and corn to the refried beans for extra texture. It is a very flexible recipe.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Generally, yes. Corn tortilla chips are usually gluten free, but you should always check the package to be sure. The spices and other ingredients are naturally free of gluten, making this a safe option for many diets.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can mix the spices and cook the beef and bean mixture a day or two in advance. Store the meat mixture in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just toast the chips, reheat the meat slightly, assemble, and bake.
Hearty Ground Beef Nachos
This easy dinner combines seasoned ground beef with creamy refried beans for a rich, hearty topping on crispy tortilla chips. Savory, cheesy, and fun to eat, it’s a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Having the oven hot and ready is crucial for the toasting step, which helps keep the chips crisp later on.
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, kosher salt, granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground cumin, dried oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you are using it. Stir it well so all the flavors are evenly distributed. Making your own blend is healthier and tastier than store bought packets.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and sprinkle your homemade spice blend over it immediately. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into crumbles as it cooks.
- After about 8 minutes, when the beef is browned, drain the excess fat using a colander. Put the meat back into the pan and stir in the refried beans and water. Cook this mixture until it is smooth and hot. Turn the heat to low to keep it warm. Mixing the beans directly with the beef is the secret to a creamy texture.
- Arrange your tortilla chips on a large 13×18 inch oven safe platter or baking sheet. Spread them out in a single layer, overlapping them just a little bit. Pop them in the oven for about 5 minutes. You want to toast them just until you can smell that lovely corn aroma. This step helps the chips stay crunchy under the toppings.
- Carefully take the hot chips out of the oven. Immediately sprinkle half of your shredded cheddar cheese and Colby Jack cheese over the hot chips. Let the residual heat melt the cheese slightly. This creates a barrier that protects the chip from getting soggy.
- Next, spoon the warm beef and bean mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Finally, top everything with the remaining shredded cheese. Put the pan back into the oven for another 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove the nachos from the oven. Now comes the fun part. Top the hot nachos with pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Add any other cold toppings you like, such as sour cream or guacamole, right before serving. Serve it immediately while it is hot.
Notes
To ensure your nachos are a total success, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese from the store contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of cheddar yourself takes a few extra minutes, but the gooey, melty result is absolutely worth it.
Customize the protein! While this recipe calls for ground beef, you can easily swap it for ground turkey or chicken to make it lighter. The spice blend works well with any meat.
Don’t skip the toasting step for the chips. It brings out the toasted corn flavor and firms up the chip structure, essential for holding heavy toppings without breaking immediately.
Nachos are best eaten fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat on a baking sheet in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until bubbly again, avoiding the microwave to prevent chewy chips.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
