Name: The Best Nachos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: TexMex
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon granulated onion; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; 1 pound ground beef (80:20 lean-to-fat ratio); 16 ounces (2 cups) refried beans, canned or homemade; 1/4 cup water; 1 large bag of tortilla chips; 4 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 2 cups), plus more for topping; 4 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated (about 2 cups), plus more for topping; 1 cup pico de gallo, store-bought or homemade , plus more for topping; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 sliced jalapeño (pickled or fresh); Guacamole; Salsa; Sour cream; Canned black olives; Sliced green onions; Shredded lettuce; Corn; Hot sauce

The Best Nachos

These classic Tex-Mex nachos are loaded to the max with cheese, seasoned beef, refried beans, guacamole, and salsa. They make a great snack, party appetizer, or even casual weeknight dinner.

30 min total 15 min prep 15 min cook 6 1237 cal

Instructions

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1 Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2 Combine all of the spices (chili powder through cayenne) together in a small bowl.
3 Heat the vegetable oil on medium high heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the ground beef to the pan and season it with all of the taco spice blend. As the meat cooks, use a spoon to break the meat up into crumbles. Cook for about 8 minutes until the meat has browned and drain the fat using a colander. Return the meat to the pan and add the refried beans and the water. Heat the mixture until the beans are smooth and warmed through. Reduce the heat to low and keep the beef-bean mixture warm while you prepare the chips.
4 On a 13x18-inch oven-safe platter or sheet pan, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer, overlapping them slightly. Toast the chips in the preheated oven for 5 minutes, or just until you begin to smell their aroma.
5 Carefully remove the pan from the oven and top with one half of the shredded cheeses. Allow the heat from the chips to melt the cheese slightly before topping the chips with the beef and bean mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the beef and return the pan to the oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese has fully melted.
6 Top the nachos with the pico de gallo, chopped cilantro, jalapeño slices, or any of your preferred toppings. Serve hot. Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!