Loaded Nacho Share Platter (Print)

Hearty layers of chips, beef, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for sharing at gatherings.

# Components:

→ Beef and Bean Layer

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
06 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Assembly

10 - 12 ounces sturdy tortilla chips
11 - 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
12 - 1 cup salsa verde or red salsa
13 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Mexican crema

→ Toppings

14 - 1 cup diced roma tomatoes
15 - 1/2 cup sliced black olives
16 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
17 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
18 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
19 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon, cooking until no pink remains, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
02 - Stir black beans into the cooked beef mixture. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until beans are heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat.
03 - Arrange half of the tortilla chips in an even layer on a large ovenproof platter or baking sheet. Spoon half the beef-and-bean mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Repeat layering with remaining chips, beef mixture, and cheese.
04 - Preheat broiler to high. Place the assembled platter under the broiler and broil for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until cheese is melted and bubbling. Alternatively, bake in a 400 °F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.
05 - Remove the platter from the oven. Drizzle salsa and sour cream evenly over the nachos. Scatter diced tomatoes, black olives, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño slices over the top.
06 - Garnish with lime wedges and serve the platter at once so guests can help themselves.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Crowd pleasing for parties potlucks and family gatherings
  • Comes together in under thirty minutes and uses one skillet plus your oven
  • Flexible for both meat eaters and vegetarians just swap the protein base
  • So customizable that everyone can top with what they love most
02 -
  • High in protein and fiber thanks to beans beef and fresh veggies
  • Naturally gluten free if using the right chips
  • Easy to make ahead just assemble before broiling for best crunch
  • You can freeze the beef mixture separately for future speedy nacho nights
03 -
  • Let chips come to room temperature so they crisp better under the broiler
  • Freshly grate cheese for best melt and texture
  • Wait to add salsa and sour cream until just before serving so the nachos do not turn soggy
  • Spread ingredients evenly on each layer for the best chip to topping ratio
  • A quick warm of the chips before building adds extra crunch