BBQ Beef Nachos (Print version)

Loaded tortilla chips with smoky barbecue beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings for game day entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup barbecue sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Nachos

07 - 10 ounces sturdy tortilla chips
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 1/3 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
12 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
13 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
15 - 1 avocado, diced (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 additional minute. Stir in barbecue sauce and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - Spread tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
05 - Spoon barbecue beef mixture evenly over chips. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses uniformly across the surface.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven and garnish with sour cream, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado if desired.
08 - Serve immediately while cheese is hot and crispy.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
  • The barbecue beef adds a smoky richness that turns ordinary nachos into something memorable and crave-worthy.
  • You can prep the beef ahead and assemble in minutes when its time to eat.
  • Everyone builds their own perfect bite with the toppings, so no two servings are the same.
02 -
  • Do not skip draining the beef fat or your chips will turn limp and greasy within minutes.
  • Bake only until the cheese melts; overbaking dries out the beef and makes the chips too hard.
  • Add fresh toppings after baking, never before, or they will wilt and lose their vibrant crunch.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block instead of buying pre-shredded; it melts smoother and tastes fresher without the anti-caking agents.
  • Use a mix of cheese on top and a little extra tucked between the chips so you get pockets of melted goodness in every layer.
  • Let the beef simmer with the barbecue sauce long enough to thicken; watery sauce will make your chips soggy no matter how careful you are.
Go back