Ground Beef Nachos Supreme

Introduction

Ground Beef Nachos Supreme is the ultimate comfort food and a party favorite that elevates traditional nachos to a whole new level. This dish begins with a base of perfectly crisp tortilla chips that provide a satisfying crunch in every bite. On top of that, you layer seasoned ground beef cooked to perfection, rich and flavorful with spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, giving it that irresistible Tex-Mex taste. Melted cheese blankets the beef and chips, creating a gooey, savory layer that holds all the flavors together. To finish, fresh toppings such as diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro add bursts of color, creaminess, and freshness, making every bite a delightful explosion of taste and texture.

What makes Ground Beef Nachos Supreme truly special is how it balances indulgence with customization. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like, add extra vegetables for a wholesome touch, or top it with different kinds of cheese for varied flavors. It’s a versatile dish that works equally well as a hearty snack for game nights, a casual family dinner, or an impressive appetizer for parties and gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Ground Beef Nachos Supreme recipe because it perfectly combines bold flavors, satisfying textures, and ultimate comfort food appeal. Every element—from the crispy tortilla chips to the juicy, seasoned ground beef, the melted cheese, and the fresh, colorful toppings—works together to create an irresistible bite. There’s something deeply satisfying about layering these ingredients and seeing the transformation in the oven as the cheese melts and the flavors meld into a rich, harmonious dish.

What makes it truly special is its versatility and ease. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like—adding extra vegetables, beans, or different kinds of cheese—so it never gets boring. I love that it’s not just a snack; it can be a full meal, a party centerpiece, or a fun treat for game nights. The combination of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors hits all the right notes, making it a recipe that’s indulgent yet approachable.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Ground Beef Nachos Supreme is a must-try dish because it perfectly combines flavor, texture, and visual appeal in a way that few other recipes can. The crispy tortilla chips provide the ideal crunchy base, while the seasoned ground beef adds a savory, hearty layer. Melted cheese blankets the dish in rich, gooey goodness, and fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, black olives, sour cream, and guacamole add bursts of flavor, color, and creaminess. Every bite delivers a harmonious mix of textures and tastes that is both comforting and exciting.

This dish is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can serve it as a fun appetizer at parties, a satisfying meal for a casual family dinner, or a snack for game nights and gatherings. It’s easy to assemble, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable, allowing you to adjust the spice level, add extra toppings, or even switch the protein to chicken, beans, or a vegetarian alternative.

Preparation Time and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 4–6
• Calories per serving: Approximately 500–550 kcal

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Appetizer / Main Course
• Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce

For the Nachos:

• 8–10 cups tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• Salsa, for serving
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned.
   • Drain excess fat, then add onions and garlic. Sauté until softened.
   • Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes until flavorful and slightly thickened.
2. Assemble the Nachos:
   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet or oven-safe platter.
   • Evenly distribute half of the seasoned beef over the chips.
   • Sprinkle half of the cheese, black beans, tomatoes, olives, and jalapeños (if using).
   • Add another layer of chips and repeat the beef, cheese, and toppings.
3. Bake:
   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from oven and top with sour cream, guacamole, green onions, salsa, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Cook Ground Beef: Brown beef → drain fat → sauté onion & garlic → add spices & tomato sauce → simmer 5 min.
2. Preheat Oven: 375°F (190°C).
3. Layer Nachos: Chips → beef → cheese → toppings → repeat.
4. Bake: 10–12 min until cheese melts.
5. Add Fresh Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, green onions, salsa, cilantro.
6. Serve: Hot and immediately.

How to Serve

Serve as an appetizer for parties, game day snacks, or as a main course with a side salad. Pair with extra salsa, hot sauce, or pickled jalapeños for added flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results.
• Layer chips and toppings evenly to ensure every bite has a good balance of flavors.
• Avoid overloading the nachos, which can make them soggy.
• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or taco seasoning on top before baking.

Variations

• Chicken Nachos: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of beef.
• Vegetarian: Omit beef and add extra beans, roasted vegetables, or tofu.
• Spicy Nachos: Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy chorizo.
• BBQ Nachos: Swap tomato sauce with barbecue sauce and use shredded beef or pulled pork.
• Cheese Variety: Mix cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for more flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover baked nachos in an airtight container for 1–2 days. Note: chips may lose crispiness.
• Freezing: It’s best to freeze the cooked beef separately. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Assemble and bake fresh when ready to serve.

Special Equipment Needed

• Oven-safe baking sheet or platter
• Skillet
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Conclusion

Ground Beef Nachos Supreme is the ultimate comfort food and party dish. Crispy chips, flavorful beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings combine to create an irresistible culinary experience. Quick, customizable, and perfect for sharing, this recipe is ideal for game nights, family dinners, or casual entertaining. With endless variations and bold flavors, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavorful, and satisfying food.