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Loaded Nachos with Cheese and Beef

Crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned beef.Loaded with refried beans and melted cheddar cheese.The ultimate Tex-Mex appetizer for parties and game day.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Tex-Mex

Ingredients
  

Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • 5 teaspoons paprika
  • 1¼ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1¼ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1¼ teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1½ teaspoons salt

Nachos

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup diced onion
  • 1 cup diced green bell pepper
  • 1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 15-ounce can Mexican-style corn (optional)
  • 1 16-ounce can refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or more as desired
  • 4 ounces tortilla chips

Optional Toppings

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ½ cup salsa
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup sliced jalapeños
  • ¼ cup sliced green onions

Instructions
 

Prepare the Taco Seasoning

  • In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, and salt.
  • Mix well and set aside.

Cook the Beef Mixture

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add the ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–7 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced onion and green bell pepper.
  • Cook for another 2–3 minutes until softened.
  • Add half of the diced tomatoes with green chilies and the Mexican-style corn, if using.
  • Sprinkle with the prepared taco seasoning and stir until evenly coated.

Prepare the Bean Layer

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining diced tomatoes with green chilies and refried beans.
  • Microwave for 1–3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds, until heated through.

Assemble the Nachos

  • Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large microwave-safe platter or baking dish.
  • Spoon portions of the refried bean mixture over the chips.
  • Add a layer of seasoned beef mixture.
  • Sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Repeat with the remaining chips, beans, beef, and cheese.

Melt and Finish

  • Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
  • Top the Loaded Nachos with Cheese and Beef with sour cream, salsa, black olives, jalapeños, and green onions.
  • Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Ground turkey can replace ground beef for a lighter version.
  • Add black beans for extra protein and texture.
  • Customize with guacamole, diced avocado, or fresh pico de gallo.
  • Great for game day spreads and casual entertaining