Description
Macho Nachos is a hearty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, melted Colby-Jack cheese, and a medley of fresh toppings like black beans, tomatoes, olives, and jalapenos. Baked to gooey perfection and topped with dollops of sour cream and fresh cilantro, this recipe makes a perfect comfort food snack or a satisfying meal for any gathering.
Ingredients
Beef and Seasoning
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce size) taco seasoning
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
Nachos Assembly
- 11 ounces corn tortilla chips
- 4 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, or use a Mexican blend
- ½ cup rinsed and drained black beans
Toppings
- ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes
- ¼ cup canned, sliced ripe black olives (not Kalamata or Greek olives)
- ¼ cup diced fresh red onion
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeno slices
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 cup restaurant-style salsa (or your own favorite salsa)
Instructions
- Cook the seasoned ground beef: In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces. Once cooked through, drain excess fat. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef, stir in water, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes until the water mostly absorbs. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the middle. Lightly spray a rimmed sheet pan or line it with foil, or if using a large 12″ cast iron skillet, coat the inside with 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil.
- Layer the nachos: Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly on the baking surface. Sprinkle with 1½ cups of cheese, then top with half of the seasoned beef and half of the black beans. Repeat the layering with the remaining chips, cheese, beef, and beans. Finally, add the last cup of cheese over the entire top layer.
- Bake the nachos: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and gooey. If the top cheese starts to brown before the center cheese has melted, loosely tent the nachos with foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until fully melted.
- Add fresh toppings and serve: Remove the nachos from the oven and quickly top with diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, diced red onion, and pickled jalapeno slices. Add dollops of sour cream and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top. Serve hot with a side of salsa.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the seasoned beef a day ahead and refrigerate. Warm gently before layering.
- You can substitute cheese with a Mexican blend or your preferred melting cheese.
- If you prefer spicier nachos, add extra jalapenos or a hot salsa.
- Use fresh ingredients for toppings to keep the flavors bright and vibrant.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven to maintain the cheese meltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
