Beef Nachos Black Beans (Print Version)
Crispy chips topped with spiced beef, black beans, melted cheese, and fresh Tex-Mex flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Beef Mixture
01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tsp chili powder
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1/4 cup water
→ Nachos Assembly
11 - 8 oz tortilla chips (use gluten-free if needed)
12 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
13 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Toppings (optional)
15 - 1/2 cup sour cream
16 - 1 ripe avocado, diced
17 - 1 medium tomato, diced
18 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
19 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - 1 jalapeño, sliced
21 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef for 2 to 3 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
03 - Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
04 - Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add tomato paste and water; reduce heat and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
06 - Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
07 - Scatter drained black beans over the chips, then evenly spoon the beef mixture on top.
08 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly across the beef and beans.
09 - Place in preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10 - Remove from oven and top with desired garnishes such as sour cream, avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spiced beef is bold enough to carry the dish but won't overpower the other flavors playing together on your plate.
- You can have everything ready to serve in under 35 minutes, which means less time stressing and more time enjoying company.
- It's one of those rare recipes where improvisation is actually encouraged—swap toppings based on what's in your fridge without losing the magic.
02 -
- Don't skip the step of browning the beef properly—it takes just a few minutes but deepens the flavor in ways that feel almost magical.
- Drain and rinse your black beans before using them; the canned liquid can make the whole dish soggy if you're not careful.
- Spread the chips in a single layer rather than piling them, or you'll end up with a tower of cheese and soggy chips at the bottom.
03 -
- Use an ovenproof platter or skillet instead of a baking sheet for a more elegant presentation, and the nachos stay warmer longer straight from the oven.
- If you want to make these ahead, cook the beef mixture completely and store it, then assemble and bake the nachos fresh when you're ready to serve—the cheese will still melt perfectly and the chips stay crispier than if you let them sit.