Texas Nachos Tex-Mex Appetizer (Printable)

Layers of crispy chips, melted cheese, and spiced beef topped with fresh vegetables and creamy garnishes.

# What You Need:

→ Main Base

01 - 7 oz tortilla chips
02 - 7 oz cheddar cheese, shredded

→ Beef Mixture

03 - 9 oz ground beef
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 clove garlic, minced
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - ½ tsp ground cumin
08 - ½ tsp paprika
09 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Fresh Toppings

10 - 1 medium tomato, diced
11 - 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
12 - 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, sliced (optional)
13 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - ¼ cup sour cream
15 - ¼ cup guacamole or sliced avocado

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F for optimal melting temperature.
02 - Heat skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, approximately 4–5 minutes. Drain excess fat as needed.
03 - Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 additional minute to bloom the spices. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - Arrange half the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Evenly distribute half the cheese and half the seasoned beef mixture. Create a second layer with remaining chips, cheese, and beef.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Watch closely to prevent burning.
07 - Remove from oven immediately. Top generously with diced tomato, fresh and pickled jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole. Serve while hot and crispy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The double layer technique means every chip gets covered in cheese and beef, no sad bare chips at the bottom
  • Everything comes together in 30 minutes but tastes like it came from a Tex-Mex restaurant
02 -
  • Never skip the double layer, single layer nachos leave half your chips bare and disappointing
  • Serve immediately because the texture window is perfect for about ten minutes before chips start softening
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded for the smoothest melt
  • Spread the beef mixture evenly so each chip gets some meat instead of clumping it in spots

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