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Ultimate Loaded Tailgate Nachos with Ground Beef & Queso

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A hearty, crowd-pleasing game day dish featuring seasoned ground beef, a creamy homemade queso sauce, and melted cheese baked on sturdy tortilla chips.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 (13-ounce) bags thick tortilla chips
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup sliced jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break into small crumbles, cooking for 8-10 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if desired, leaving some for flavor.
  2. Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir constantly for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  3. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Pour in tomato sauce, mix well, and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in black beans and remove from heat.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
  5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two large rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread half the chips on each sheet.
  6. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over the chips, then spoon half the beef mixture evenly over the cheese. Top with remaining cheese. Repeat with the second tray.
  7. Bake for 8-10 minutes until cheese is bubbling and slightly golden. Broil for 1-2 minutes for crispy spots if desired.
  8. Remove from oven and immediately top with jalapeños, cilantro, and dollops of sour cream. Serve hot.

Notes

Ensure the beef sauce is thick and not watery to prevent soggy chips. Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips. Do not overcrowd the baking sheets; spread chips in a single layer. For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with extra black beans and corn. For gluten-free, use certified GF chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: tailgate nachos, game day food, ground beef nachos, queso dip, easy appetizer, crowd pleaser, oven baked nachos

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/ultimate-loaded-tailgate-nachos-best-easy-game-day-dip/