Crisp chips topped with savory beef, smooth cheese sauce, jalapeños, and fresh garnishes, perfect for sharing.
# Components:
→ Nachos Base
01 - 12 oz sturdy tortilla chips
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
→ Toppings
18 - 0.5 cup pickled jalapeño slices
19 - 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
20 - 1/3 cup sliced scallions
21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
22 - 0.5 cup sour cream
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, approximately 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer to a separate dish.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until mixture bubbles but does not brown.
05 - Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, approximately 2-3 minutes.
06 - Reduce heat and add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, cayenne pepper if using, and salt. Whisk until cheese completely melts and sauce reaches a smooth consistency. Remove from heat.
07 - Spread tortilla chips evenly across a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
08 - Top chips with seasoned ground beef. Drizzle generously with prepared cheese sauce.
09 - Scatter pickled jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, and sliced scallions across the top.
10 - Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until all components are heated through and sauce bubbles at edges.
11 - Remove from oven. Top with chopped fresh cilantro and generous dollops of sour cream. Serve immediately.
