Skillet Beef Nachos are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that brings the party right to your kitchen. Imagine crispy tortilla chips generously layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a medley of toppings that create a symphony of flavors and textures. This dish has its roots in Mexican cuisine, where nachos were first created in the 1940s, and they have since evolved into a beloved snack or meal enjoyed by many around the world.
What I love most about Skillet Beef Nachos is their incredible versatility and convenience. Whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a cozy movie marathon, or simply craving a delicious snack, these nachos are the perfect solution. The combination of savory beef, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings makes every bite a mouthwatering experience. Plus, they come together in just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze! Join me as we dive into this scrumptious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup water
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 10-12 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Preparing the Beef
First things first, lets get that beef ready. I love starting with a hot skillet to really sear the meat and bring out those flavors.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Now, its time to add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula and cook until its browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Once the beef is browned, sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. Pour in the cup of water and stir well to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Preparing the Nachos
While the beef is simmering, lets prepare the nacho base. This is where the fun begins!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that our nachos get nice and crispy.
- On a large baking sheet or oven-safe skillet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer. You want to make sure every chip has a chance to be loaded with toppings!
- Once the beef is ready, spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla chips. Make sure to distribute it well so every chip gets a taste of that delicious beef.
- Next, sprinkle the black beans and corn over the beef. This adds a nice texture and flavor contrast to the dish.
- Now, its time for the cheese! Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire nacho pile. Dont be shy; the more cheese, the better!
Cooking Process
Now that we have our nachos assembled, lets get them in the oven!
- Place the baking sheet or skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
- Once the cheese is melted to your liking, carefully remove the nachos from the oven. Be cautious, as the skillet will be hot!
Assembling the Toppings
Now comes the best partadding all those fresh toppings!
- While the nachos are still hot, sprinkle the diced tomatoes over the top. This adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
- If you like a little heat, add the sliced jalapeños on top. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
- Next, add the diced avocado. This creamy element balances out the spiciness and adds a lovely texture.
- Drizzle sour cream over the nachos. You can either use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for a more decorative touch.
- Finally, sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top for a fresh, herby finish.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the nachos just before eating elev
Conclusion:
In summary, these Skillet Beef Nachos are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their snacking game or impress guests at their next gathering. The combination of savory beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Plus, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility; you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Want to spice things up? Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce. Prefer a vegetarian option? Swap the beef for black beans or grilled veggies. Serving suggestions are endless! Pair your nachos with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a zesty salsa for that extra kick. You can even turn this dish into a full meal by adding a side salad or some grilled corn on the cob. I encourage you to give this Skillet Beef Nachos recipe a try and make it your own. Dont forget to share your experience and any creative twists you come up with! I cant wait to hear how your nachos turn out. Happy cooking! PrintSkillet Beef Nachos: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Game Day Snack
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a delicious platter of loaded nachos featuring seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and melted cheddar cheese. Topped with fresh tomatoes, avocado, and a drizzle of sour cream, this dish is perfect for sharing on game day or during a cozy night in!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 cup water
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 10–12 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, pour in the cup of water, and stir well. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- On a large baking sheet or oven-safe skillet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer.
- Spoon the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla chips.
- Sprinkle the black beans and corn over the beef, followed by a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Place the baking sheet or skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Carefully remove the nachos from the oven.
- While the nachos are still hot, sprinkle the diced tomatoes over the top.
- Add sliced jalapeños if desired.
- Top with diced avocado.
- Drizzle sour cream over the nachos.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. Other great additions include olives, green onions, or different types of cheese.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or additional beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
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