Every time I make this Epic Beef Nacho Supreme, it floods me with warm memories of gathering around the table with my family and sharing laughs over a delicious meal. Living in rural America, weekends are a cherished time, and I’ve found that nothing brings people together quite like this cheesy, mouthwatering dish. The smell of sizzling beef and melted cheese fills the air, making everyone’s taste buds dance in anticipation. I know once you try it, you and your loved ones will feel the same warmth and comfort that this special recipe brings to my home!
How to make Epic Beef Nacho Supreme
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this scrumptious dish. I’ve included some personal notes on why each ingredient is important and how you can play around with them if you’d like!
| Ingredient | Amount | |——————————————-|—————————-| | Taco Seasoning (or 1 packet/store-bought)| 1 packet or to taste | | Ground beef | 1 pound | | Yellow onion, diced | 1/2 | | Tortilla chips (16 ounces each) | 2 bags | | Refried beans | 1 can | | Shredded cheese (like cheddar and Monterey jack)| 16 ounces | | Roma tomatoes, diced | 3 | | Green onions, sliced | 2 to 3 |
This recipe is flexible! I love adding fresh jalapeños for a kick or swapping out the cheese for something a little spicier, like pepper jack. You can really make it your own!
Cooking Steps
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Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Trust me, this step is essential for creating that delightful crispy texture on the nachos that we all crave! -
Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula to ensure it cooks evenly. You want it to become a nice, rich brown, which should take about 5 to 8 minutes. -
Add the Onions
Once your beef is browned, throw in the diced onions. Cooking them together will infuse the meat with flavor. They should soften and become translucent within a few minutes, making your kitchen smell heavenly! -
Drain the Fat
After the beef and onions are cooked to perfection, drain any excess fat. This step is important so that your nachos don’t end up greasy. You want that delicious, beefy flavor without the extra oil! -
Season It Up
Return the beef and onion mixture to the pan, and sprinkle on your taco seasoning. If you’re using a packet, follow the instructions. I usually add about 3/4 cup of water to the skillet to help the seasoning spread evenly. Stir and let it simmer—this is where the magic happens! -
Prepare the Baking Sheets
While the beef simmers, take out two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper. This not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps the nachos crisp up nicely! -
Layer the Tortilla Chips
Once your sheets are ready, begin adding a generous layer of tortilla chips to each one. Feel free to spread them out so every chip has room to shine! -
Spoon on Refried Beans
Now, take that can of refried beans and spoon half of it onto each tray. I like to place spoonfuls all over the chips so they get nice and warm in the oven. You want your beans to spread a bit with the heat. It’s totally fine if they look a little messy! -
Add the Ground Beef
With your beef mixture ready and simmered down, divide it evenly between the two pans. Make sure every chip gets a taste of that seasoned beef goodness—you wouldn’t want anyone to miss out! -
Sprinkle the Cheese
This is where the magic truly begins! Take that shredded cheese (oh, my heart!) and sprinkle it generously over each pan. I always recommend being a bit heavy-handed with the cheese, as that’s what makes nachos so delightful. -
Bake to Perfection
Pop those trays into your preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the cheese to be melted and bubbly and the chips to be slightly crisped. -
Finishing Touches
Once out of the oven, it’s time for the beautiful toppings! Sprinkle diced tomatoes and sliced green onions over the cheesy nachos—these add such fresh zing to every bite. Dig in immediately; they are best served hot!
Why I Love Making This Dish
This Epic Beef Nacho Supreme has quickly become one of my go-to recipes for family gatherings and weekend movie nights. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together. I’ve found that we spend hours laughing and chatting over these gooey nachos, reminiscing about stories and sharing our lives. Seeing my family enjoy something I’ve made fills my heart with joy. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it great for busy days or when unexpected guests drop by!
What You’ll Need
You won’t need any fancy tools to make this dish, just your trusted skillet and baking sheets. Have a good spatula and some parchment paper on hand, and you’re all set.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Brown the ground beef and onion in a skillet.
- Drain the excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water; simmer.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Layer tortilla chips on the sheets.
- Spoon on the refried beans.
- Top with ground beef.
- Sprinkle lots of cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
- Add fresh toppings.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
- Don’t skip the draining step! It makes all the difference.
- If you want extra cheesy nachos, add a layer of cheese before adding the beef and beans, then top with more cheese.
- Adding fresh jalapeños on top of the finished nachos gives a nice spicy kick if your family enjoys some heat.
- Make sure to keep an eye on them while baking to avoid burning. Every oven is different!
Serving Suggestions and Sides
While these nachos are delicious on their own, you can elevate the experience with a few sides. I adore serving them with homemade guacamole, spicy salsa, or a refreshing Mexican street corn salad on the side. Sometimes, I even whip up a batch of chilled margaritas for a treat! It turns an ordinary evening into something festive.
Leftovers
Let’s be real—sometimes there are leftovers, and that’s not a bad thing! You can easily store your leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2-3 days. To reheat, arrange them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be warned—the chips may not stay as crispy.
FAQ Section
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely, you can! I’ve done this when I wanted a lighter version, and it turned out just as tasty.
What if I don’t have refried beans?
You can easily omit them or substitute them with black beans or even a bean dip. It’ll still taste great!
How can I make this vegetarian?
You can swap out the beef for lentils or a meat substitute and keep the rest of the ingredients the same. It’s delicious either way!
Can I make it ahead of time?
While I recommend baking it fresh, you can prepare the beef mixture and store it in the fridge. Then when you’re ready, assemble the nachos and bake them!
This dish has become a favorite in my house, and I’m so excited for you to try it. From the first bite, you’ll feel the joy of sharing something special with your loved ones. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let the cooking begin! Let me know how it turns out, and if your family asks for seconds, just like mine does every time. Happy cooking!