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If you ask me, restaurant-style nachos are pure comfort food magic.
These loaded nachos take inspiration from a certain famous fast-food chain we all know and love. Crispy tortilla chips get smothered in seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese that pulls with every bite.
They’re topped with cool sour cream, fresh tomatoes, and sliced black olives – just like the ones you remember from late-night food runs. A sprinkle of diced onions and jalapeños adds that perfect kick.
It’s a crowd-favorite snack that works for game day, movie night, or anytime you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love These Nachos Bell Grande
- Quick preparation – Ready in just 15-25 minutes, these nachos are perfect for when you need a fast dinner or want to satisfy those sudden cravings.
- Simple ingredients – With just 6 basic ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store, you don’t need to hunt down any special items to make this restaurant favorite at home.
- Customizable – You can easily add or remove toppings based on what you like – throw on some jalapeños for heat, skip the beans if they’re not your thing, or add extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Perfect for sharing – Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a casual get-together, these loaded nachos are made for sharing and always bring smiles around the table.
What Kind of Tortilla Chips Should I Use?
For loaded nachos like these, you’ll want to start with thick, sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up under all those toppings without getting soggy. Restaurant-style corn tortilla chips are your best bet – they’re usually thicker than regular grocery store chips and have a more substantial crunch. While yellow corn chips are traditional, white corn chips work just as well and some people prefer their slightly milder flavor. If you’re buying from the store, look for chips that are whole rather than broken and avoid the super thin varieties that tend to shatter easily. A good tip is to spread your chips in a single layer rather than stacking them too high, which helps them stay crispy longer under all those tasty toppings.
Options for Substitutions
This nacho recipe is super adaptable and you can switch things up based on what you have at home:
- Tortilla chips: While regular tortilla chips work best, you can use any sturdy corn chips. Just avoid thin chips that break easily – they won’t hold up under the toppings. For a healthier option, try baked tortilla chips.
- Nacho cheese sauce: No nacho cheese sauce? Try melted shredded cheddar or a mix of monterey jack and cheddar. You can also use queso blanco or even a jar of cheese dip from the store.
- Refried beans: You can swap refried beans with whole black beans or pinto beans (just mash them slightly). For a different twist, try refried black beans instead of the traditional pinto.
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken works great as a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, try seasoned crumbled tofu or your favorite meat substitute. Just season it the same way as you would the beef.
- Sour cream: Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream – it’s higher in protein and gives the same tangy taste. Mexican crema or even plain yogurt can work too.
- Fresh tomatoes: If you’re out of fresh tomatoes, you can use drained canned diced tomatoes or pico de gallo. Even a good chunky salsa will do the trick!
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
The biggest challenge when making nachos is preventing them from becoming soggy – arrange your chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet rather than piling them high, and make sure your toppings are not too wet before adding them. Heating your refried beans and taco meat separately before assembling helps maintain the perfect temperature without overcooking the chips, and remember to add cold toppings like sour cream and tomatoes only after the nachos come out of the oven. To keep your nachos crispy longer, avoid overloading individual chips – instead, spread your toppings evenly and consider warming your baking sheet in the oven before adding the chips, which helps them stay crunchy. For the best results, serve your nachos immediately after assembly, as they tend to lose their ideal texture if they sit too long.
What to Serve With Nachos?
When serving up a big plate of loaded nachos, I like to add some fresh sides that balance out all that cheesy goodness. A simple bowl of guacamole and fresh salsa are must-haves – they add a nice cool contrast to the warm, melty nachos. For something green, I usually whip up a quick Mexican-style chopped salad with lettuce, corn, and a lime dressing. If you’re feeding a crowd, consider setting up a toppings bar with extra jalapeños, diced onions, black olives, and hot sauce so everyone can customize their portion just the way they like it.
Storage Instructions
Keep Components Separate: For the best nachos experience, store each topping separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The cooked taco meat will last 3-4 days, cheese sauce about 5-7 days, and fresh toppings like tomatoes and sour cream for 2-3 days. Keep your tortilla chips in their sealed bag at room temperature to stay crispy.
Prep Ahead: You can easily prep the components ahead of time! Cook and season the beef, prepare the beans, and chop the tomatoes up to 2 days before. When you’re ready to eat, just warm up the meat and beans, and assemble your nachos fresh with crispy chips.
Leftovers: Once assembled, nachos are best eaten right away – nobody likes soggy chips! If you do have leftovers, remove any cold toppings like sour cream and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just know the chips won’t be as crispy when you reheat them.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 5-10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15-25 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2000-2200
- Protein: 100-120 g
- Fat: 100-120 g
- Carbohydrates: 250-280 g
Ingredients
- 6 cups crispy tortilla chips
- 1 cup nacho cheese sauce
- 1 cup mashed refried beans
- 1/2 pound seasoned taco-style ground beef
- 1 diced vine-ripened tomato
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Warm the Tortilla Chips
Start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once heated, spread tortilla chips evenly on an oven-safe tray or baking sheet.
Place the tray in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes until the chips are hot, making sure they do not start to brown.
Step 2: Assemble the Nachos with Toppings
After removing the chips from the oven, transfer them carefully to a serving dish.
Begin layering your nachos by topping the warm chips with refried beans, taco meat, and nacho cheese.
For an added fresh touch, sprinkle chopped tomatoes over the top.
Step 3: Add the Finishing Touch
Complete your nacho creation by spooning sour cream right in the middle of the nachos for easy dipping.
Serve immediately while everything is warm and delicious.
Enjoy your homemade nachos!