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Easy Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef

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This easy loaded nacho bar with ground beef is the ultimate game day crowd-pleaser. It features seasoned beef, warm queso, and a build-your-own topping bar that lets everyone create their perfect plate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips (restaurant-style or scoop-shaped)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1 cup warm queso (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup fresh pico de gallo or salsa
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced and tossed with lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges for squeezing

Instructions

  1. Prep the toppings: Dice the avocado and toss it with a squeeze of lime juice to prevent browning. Shred the lettuce. Slice the olives. Chop the cilantro. Arrange all the toppings in small bowls and set them aside.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until nicely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Cook the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir together and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another minute.
  5. Simmer the beef: Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has mostly evaporated and the beef is coated in a rich, thick sauce.
  6. Assemble the nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a serving platter. Spoon half of the seasoned beef over the chips. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese. Add another layer of chips, the remaining beef, and the rest of the cheese. Optionally, pop the platter in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
  7. Set up the bar: Place the loaded nacho platter in the center of the table. Arrange all the small bowls of toppings around it. Put the warm queso in a bowl with a ladle. Set out small plates and forks. Let everyone build their own perfect plate.

Notes

Use thick, restaurant-style chips to prevent sogginess. Shred your own cheese for better melting. The cinnamon in the beef seasoning adds a subtle warmth that enhances the flavor. For best results, serve immediately and let everyone build their own plates.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, ground beef, game day, loaded nachos, nacho bar, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/easy-loaded-nacho-bar-with-ground-beef/