Ultimate Loaded Nachos (Printer-Friendly Version)

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Beef Topping

01 - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) taco seasoning mix (or homemade seasoning: cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano)
06 - ¼ cup (60 ml) water

→ For the Nachos

07 - 1 large bag (12 oz / 340 g) tortilla chips
08 - 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
09 - 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
10 - ½ cup (125 ml) salsa (or pico de gallo)

→ Optional Toppings

11 - 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
12 - 1 cup (150 g) diced tomatoes
13 - 1 avocado, diced or mashed (for guacamole)
14 - ¼ cup (30 g) sliced black olives
15 - ¼ cup (30 g) jalapeños, sliced
16 - ¼ cup (25 g) chopped green onions
17 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Hot sauce, to taste

# Let's Cook!:

01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat, then stir in the taco seasoning and water. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Set aside.
02 - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Add the seasoned beef, black beans, and salsa, spreading them evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
03 - Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
04 - Remove the nachos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with dollops of sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, black olives, jalapeños, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
05 - Serve immediately while warm and crispy. Enjoy as a party snack, appetizer, or a fun family meal!

# Cook's Notes:

01 - Customize: Add grilled chicken, chorizo, or pulled pork instead of beef for variety.
02 - Cheese options: Use Monterey Jack, queso fresco, or pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
03 - Make ahead: Cook the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling the nachos.
04 - Keep it crispy: Avoid adding wet toppings (like salsa or sour cream) until just before serving to keep the chips crispy.