Sheet Pan Nachos With Ground Beef (Easy & Flavor-Packed!)
Everyone knows nachos are the ultimate party food. They’re cheesy, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing!
And recently, I’ve been working on perfecting my recipe for nachos. I’ve discovered that the key to truly great nachos isn’t piling all the toppings on tortilla chips.
The secret is letting all the flavors meld into each other by exposing all the elements to heat! So I came up with this recipe for Sheet Pan Nachos With Ground Beef.
The cheese comes out hot and melty straight from the oven, combining beautifully with perfectly seasoned ground beef and black beans over crispy tortilla chips in the heat of the oven.
Add your favorite toppings — fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream — and you’ve got nachos that are perfect for game day, movie night, or a fun appetizer for any party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for any occasion
- Flavorful beef with gooey cheese on top of crunchy chips for a delightful mix of textures
- Customizable toppings to suit everyone’s tastes
- A crowd-pleaser that brings fun to any gathering
- Minimal cleanup and maximum beefy goodness!
The Story Behind the Recipe
Nachos are my go-to party food, so I’ve been making them for quite a while.
I used to make the cheese sauce in one pot, cook the ground beef in a skillet, and bake the chips separately.
But one time, after the nachos I just served disappeared in a minute and I had to make another batch, an idea popped into my head. Why not switch things up with a sheet pan?
I got store-bought chips (after running out of my homemade ones), sprinkled cheese and beef on top, tossed everything on a sheet pan, and put it in the oven.
And it turned out perfectly. The heat allowed the flavors of the seasoned beef and cheese to combine, creating a rich, gooey texture that coats every bite. Plus, even the chips turned out as crisp as the ones I made, so it was a success!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 lb. ground beef (can substitute turkey or plant-based ground meat)
- Seasoning blend (swap for store-bought taco seasoning):
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 bag tortilla chips (choose your favorite variety or make your own at home!)
- 1 jalapeño (sliced, optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup cilantro (optional for garnish)
Prep & Cook Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 to 25 minutes |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the ground beef. Add your seasoning blend and tomato paste, then break it up as it cooks until it’s no longer pink.
- Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large sheet pan, ensuring there’s enough room for toppings without overlapping.
- Layer the beef mixture evenly on top of the chips, followed by the cheese, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Bake in the oven for about 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Top with green onions, jalapeño, and cilantro just before serving for that burst of freshness!
Expert Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Nachos
- Choose thick tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Be sure to avoid those flimsy varieties!
- Don’t overload the chips. Keep the toppings balanced for a better melt and eating experience.
- After cooking, drain any excess grease from the beef to keep the chips from getting soggy and maintain a crisp texture.
- Serve immediately for the best texture. Nachos are best eaten right out of the oven while the cheese is gooey and the chips are still crispy. Waiting too long can make them soft.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 8g |
FAQs About Sheet Pan Nachos With Ground Beef
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or vegan ground beef.
What else can I add to the nachos?
Feel free to top the nachos with sour cream or salsa verde to offer a hint of tang.
How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What kind of cheese should I use?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix in varieties like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for extra flavor.
Dig Into Bold, Cheesy, and Crunchy Nachos With Ground Beef!
Loaded with melty cheese, savory meat, and perfectly crisp tortilla chips, these Sheet Pan Nachos With Ground Beef are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a party or getting your family together for a movie night, this easy recipe delivers flavor and crunch in every bite!
