Beef Nachos

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 12 oz sturdy tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• Sour cream, salsa, and cilantro, for serving

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment, then prepare all cold toppings before cooking so the nachos can be served immediately.
2. Step 2.Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef, and cook until browned and at least 160°F, breaking the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.
3. Step 3.Drain excess fat, return the skillet to medium heat, and stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and a small pinch of salt until the beef is evenly seasoned.
4. Step 4.Cook the seasoned beef for another 2 minutes so the spices bloom and any excess moisture evaporates, then remove the skillet from the heat before assembling the nachos.
5. Step 5.Spread half the tortilla chips across the sheet pan in a broad single layer, then scatter over half the cheese, half the beef, and a portion of the jalapeño slices.
6. Step 6.Add the remaining chips and repeat with the rest of the cheese, beef, and jalapeño, building two shallow layers instead of one tall pile so more chips receive toppings.
7. Step 7.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling while the exposed edges of the tortilla chips remain crisp and lightly toasted.
8. Step 8.Remove the pan from the oven and immediately scatter the diced tomato and red onion over the hot nachos so these fresh ingredients keep their color and crisp texture.
9. Step 9.Add small spoonfuls of sour cream and salsa or serve them on the side, then finish with cilantro so wet toppings do not sit on the chips longer than necessary.
10. Step 10.Serve the beef nachos directly from the sheet pan while hot and crisp, encouraging diners to take portions right away because assembled nachos soften as they stand.