Name: Oven-Baked Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 can black beans, drained; 1 orange pepper, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced; From 2 ears of corn, kernels removed; 1 can black olives, sliced; 1 can green olives, sliced; 2 scallions, chopped; 2 jalapeños, thinly sliced; 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese; 2 cups cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; Juice of 2 limes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 avocado, chopped; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; Large bags tortilla chips (13 oz. each; quantity as needed for layering, approximately 2 large bags)

Ingredients

Large bags tortilla chips (13 oz. bag)

1 lb lean ground beef

2 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 can black beans, drained

1 orange pepper, diced

1 small red onion, diced

½ cup cherry tomatoes, sliced

Contents from 2 ears of corn

1 can black olives, sliced

1 can green olives, sliced

2 scallions, chopped

2 jalapeños, thinly sliced

2 cups Monterey Jack cheese

2 cups cheddar cheese

½ cup sour cream

Juice of 2 limes

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 avocado, chopped

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Prepare the sauce by mixing sour cream, lime juice, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Stir well and transfer to a squeeze bottle. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. When the beef is no longer pink, stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat by transferring the beef to a paper towel-lined strainer.

Step 4: Line the inside of a 10-inch springform pan with a strip of parchment paper that extends 2 inches above the rim. Begin layering by spreading a handful of tortilla chips evenly in the pan. Add a handful of cooked beef followed by some of the diced vegetables and black beans. Sprinkle 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese on top. Repeat this layering process three more times, alternating the shredded cheese between Monterey Jack and cheddar.

Step 5: Crush any remaining chips and sprinkle them on top with any leftover meat and vegetables. Bake the assembled nachos in the oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.

Step 6: Remove the pan from the oven and carefully place it on a large plate. Using oven mitts, release the springform ring and lift it away. Peel off and discard the parchment paper.

Step 7: Drizzle the lime sour cream sauce over the top of the nachos. Garnish with chopped avocado and cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy.

Tips & Variations

For extra spice, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while cooking.

Swap the black beans for pinto or refried beans for a different texture.

Use a mix of other cheeses like pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.

To keep chips from getting soggy, layer thicker or serve the sauce on the side.

FAQs

Can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the ground beef and add extra beans, sautéed vegetables, or a meat substitute like seasoned tofu or tempeh for protein.

What can I use if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can assemble the nachos on a large, oven-safe plate or baking sheet, though layering might not be as tall. Use foil or parchment paper to help lift the nachos when serving.