BBQ Beef Nachos (Printable Version)

Crispy tortilla chips piled with smoky barbecue beef, melty cheese blend, and fresh toppings for ultimate sharing.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 lb 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 oz 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)

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - Heat large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion, cooking for 6 to 8 minutes until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Stir in barbecue sauce and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until mixture thickens slightly.
04 - Spread tortilla chips in even layer on large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
05 - Distribute barbecue beef mixture evenly over chips. Sprinkle cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over beef layer.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven. Top nachos with sour cream, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and avocado if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It transforms leftover barbecue or plain ground beef into something that feels special and indulgent without any fuss.
  • Every bite delivers that perfect combination of crispy, creamy, smoky, and tangy all at once.
  • You can prep the beef ahead and assemble everything in minutes when guests arrive or hunger strikes.
  • It feeds a crowd without requiring multiple dishes or complicated timing.
02 -
  • Don't overload the chips with too much beef or cheese in one spot, or the bottom layer will get soggy and the top will be dry.
  • Let the beef mixture cool for a minute before spooning it onto the chips, because piping hot beef can steam the chips and make them lose their crunch.
  • Use a sturdy baking sheet or cast iron skillet instead of a flimsy pan, because the weight and heat distribution make a huge difference in how evenly everything cooks.
03 -
  • Layer your nachos in two stages, chips and half the toppings, then more chips and the rest, so every layer gets love and nothing is left bare.
  • Warm your serving platter in the oven for a minute before building the nachos, it keeps everything hot longer and prevents the bottom from cooling too fast.
  • Save some fresh toppings like cilantro and avocado to add right at the table, because they brighten up each bite and make the dish feel more vibrant and alive.
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