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Ultimate Game Day Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef

Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef - featured image

A customizable nacho bar featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a variety of fresh toppings, perfect for game day gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced (about ½ cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 large bag (1316 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup pickled jalapeños
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional: diced avocado, hot sauce, extra shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned.
  2. Push beef to one side, add diced onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir together.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  4. Add beef broth and tomato paste. Stir until dissolved. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid reduces slightly.
  5. While beef simmers, prep all toppings: drain and rinse black beans, slice green onions, chop cilantro, and arrange sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, and black olives in separate bowls.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread tortilla chips on a serving platter or sheet pan. Sprinkle half the shredded Mexican blend and Monterey Jack cheese over chips. Spoon seasoned beef evenly over cheese. Top with remaining shredded cheese.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Do not overbake.
  8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Transfer to serving area and arrange topping bowls around the platter. Let everyone build their own plate.

Notes

Layer a little cheese directly on chips before adding beef to prevent sogginess. Use sturdy restaurant-style chips. Toast spices for better flavor. Serve immediately after baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, game day, ground beef, loaded nachos, party food, football food, nacho bar