Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe
If you’re on the lookout for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s perfect for game day or a cozy movie night, look no further! This Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe is a delightful combination of savory ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s easy to assemble and even easier to devour, making it a staple in any recipe rotation.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
Nachos are the ultimate comfort food. They are versatile, allowing for a myriad of toppings, and they cater to both casual gatherings and more formal occasions. With this Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe, you get a balanced blend of protein, veggies, and gooey cheese, all served on a crunchy bed of tortilla chips. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup for you! Whether you’re feeding a large group or just indulging on your own, this dish is sure to satisfy.
Gather These Ingredients
To make this Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 13 ounces tortilla chips (1 bag)
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Salsa, for serving
- Sour cream, for serving
- Guacamole, for serving
Equipment Breakdown
Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have the following tools handy:
- Large baking sheet: This will hold your nachos as they bake, so a sturdy one is essential.
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef and sautéing the veggies.
- Spatula: To mix and serve.
- Measuring spoons: For accurate spice measurements.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe Made Stepwise
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with your spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Season the Beef
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with the spices, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step will infuse the beef with flavor.
Step 3: Assemble the Nachos
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer. Then, scoop the seasoned beef mixture generously over the chips, ensuring each chip gets a taste of that flavorful beef.
Step 4: Add Fresh Veggies and Cheese
Sprinkle the diced green bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and jalapeño slices over the beef. Follow this with a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese—this is nachos, after all!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to ensure the chips don’t burn.
Step 6: Top and Serve
Once out of the oven, remove the nachos from the baking sheet and transfer them to a serving platter or leave them on the sheet for a family-style presentation. Top with diced Roma tomato and fresh cilantro. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side for dipping.
Seasonal Adaptations
Feel free to mix things up with these seasonal adaptations:
- Spring: Add fresh avocado slices and radishes for a crunchy, refreshing twist.
- Summer: Incorporate grilled corn and diced mango for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Fall: Use roasted butternut squash instead of bell peppers for a cozy, autumnal feel.
- Winter: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty, comforting version.
Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them
While making this Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Burnt Chips: Keep an eye on your nachos during the baking process. If they start to brown too quickly, consider covering them loosely with aluminum foil.
- Uneven Cheese Melt: Ensure you distribute the cheese evenly for a consistent melt across all nachos.
- Soggy Chips: To prevent soggy chips, avoid adding too many wet toppings before baking. Save fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro for after baking.
- Too Spicy: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your taste. You can always add more later, but it’s tough to take it out once mixed.
Make Ahead Like a Pro
For those who want to prepare in advance, here are some make-ahead tips:
- Cook the Beef: You can prepare the seasoned beef mixture a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble, reheat it before layering on the nachos.
- Chop Veggies Ahead: Dice your vegetables a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge. This saves time when you’re ready to assemble.
- Layering: If you want to assemble the nachos ahead of time, do so without the cheese and toppings to prevent sogginess. Add those just before baking.
Reader Questions
Can I use tortilla strips instead of chips?
Absolutely! Tortilla strips will work just as well; just keep an eye on the baking time as they may bake faster than traditional tortilla chips.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or a meat alternative. Just be sure to season them similarly for maximum flavor.
What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
If you can’t find Monterey Jack, feel free to use any melty cheese like mozzarella or even pepper jack for a spicy kick!
Can I freeze leftover nachos?
While it’s best to enjoy nachos fresh, you can freeze the cooked beef mixture separately. Reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy fresh nachos again!
Next Steps
Ready to dig into this mouthwatering Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe? Gather your ingredients, assemble your equipment, and get cooking! Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself, these nachos will surely be a hit.
When you make this recipe, don’t forget to share your results with us! Happy cooking!
Beef Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it, breaking it apart with your spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with the spices, allowing the mixture to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer.
- Then, scoop the seasoned beef mixture generously over the chips, ensuring each chip gets a taste of that flavorful beef.
- Sprinkle the diced green bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and jalapeño slices over the beef. Follow this with a generous layer of shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, remove the nachos from the baking sheet and transfer them to a serving platter or leave them on the sheet for a family-style presentation.
- Top with diced Roma tomato and fresh cilantro. Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Keep an eye on your nachos during baking to prevent burnt chips.
- Distribute cheese evenly for a consistent melt.
- To avoid soggy chips, add fresh toppings after baking.
