Beef Nacho Platter (Print View)
Crispy tortilla chips layered with spiced beef, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and fresh garnishes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef Mixture
01 - 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tbsp chili powder
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 1/4 cup tomato sauce
→ Chips & Cheese
10 - 8 oz sturdy tortilla chips
11 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
12 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Toppings
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream
14 - 1 cup fresh tomato, diced
15 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
16 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
17 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
18 - 1 avocado, diced
19 - Lime wedges, for serving
# Method:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef for about 4 minutes. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened, 2 to 3 minutes.
03 - Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
04 - On a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter, arrange half of the tortilla chips. Top with half of the beef mixture and half of the shredded cheeses. Repeat layers with remaining chips, beef, and cheese.
05 - Bake assembled layers for 8 to 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
06 - Remove from oven and evenly distribute diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), diced avocado, and chopped cilantro over the melted cheese.
07 - Drizzle with sour cream or serve it alongside. Garnish with lime wedges and serve immediately.
# Insider Tips:
01 -
- The whole thing comes together in under thirty minutes, which means you can actually enjoy your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
- There's something about the combination of warm, melty cheese on crispy chips with cool fresh toppings that just works every single time.
- You can prep most of the toppings ahead and let people customize their own bites, turning dinner into something interactive and fun.
02 -
- Don't add toppings before baking or they'll wilt and the colors will fade—the point is that contrast between warm and fresh, so wait until the last minute.
- If your tortilla chips are flimsy, they'll snap under the weight of hot cheese and toppings, so buy the ones that actually feel substantial in the bag.
- The sour cream can go underneath or on top—on top is prettier and feels more luxurious, but underneath works better if you're layering ahead of time.
03 -
- Shred your own cheese instead of using the pre-shredded stuff—the anti-caking agents in bagged cheese keep it from melting as smoothly, and the difference is noticeable.
- If you're worried about soggy chips, keep the beef mixture warm on the stovetop instead of mixing it in ahead of time, then assemble and bake everything together at the last minute.