Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos are a fun and easy way to bring everyone together for a snack or meal. This dish is all about crispy tortilla chips piled high with…
By Ava
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Reading time: 6 min
Tip: save now, make later.
Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos are a fun and easy way to bring everyone together for a snack or meal. This dish is all about crispy tortilla chips piled high with melted cheese, seasoned ground beef or beans, fresh jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and plenty of gooey toppings like sour cream and guacamole. The sheet pan makes it simple to cook everything evenly and serve straight from the oven without any fuss.
I love making these nachos because they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a cozy night in. My favorite tip is to spread the chips in a single layer so every chip gets a good amount of toppings and cheese. It makes a big difference in how every bite stays crunchy and delicious!
The best part? You can customize these nachos to suit whatever you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for. I sometimes swap the beef for seasoned black beans or add a little extra cilantro on top. Serving them up with fresh salsa or your favorite hot sauce always makes the whole experience even better. It feels like sharing a big, warm hug on a tray, perfect for any night of the week.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds a hearty, meaty flavor. If you want a lighter or vegetarian option, try seasoned black beans or lentils instead. They soak up the taco seasoning well and still taste great.
Tortilla Chips: Look for sturdy corn chips that won’t get soggy quickly. If you’re gluten-free or prefer a different base, blue corn chips or plantain chips work well too.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds tang. For a creamier mix, blend cheddar with Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend. Vegan cheese is also an option if you want a dairy-free dish.
Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh jalapeños give a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds before slicing or swap for mild poblano peppers.
How Can I Keep the Nachos Crispy and Avoid Soggy Chips?
Crunchy nachos are all about layering and timing. Here’s how I do it:
- Spread chips evenly in a single layer on the sheet pan—avoid piling them up too much.
- Add toppings like beef and cheese in moderate amounts so the chips are coated but not drenched.
- Bake just until the cheese melts—around 8-10 minutes. Overbaking can dry or burn chips.
- Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños after baking to keep them crisp and fresh.
- Serve right away—nachos taste best when hot and fresh from the oven!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large sheet pan – perfect for spreading chips in a single layer so they bake evenly and stay crispy.
- Large skillet – ideal for browning and cooking the ground beef with taco seasoning.
- Spatula – helps break up the meat and stir the seasoning in the skillet.
- Oven mitts – important for safely handling the hot sheet pan when removing it from the oven.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – handy for chopping fresh toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or cooked chorizo for a different protein flavor that still pairs well with Mexican spices.
- Use black beans or refried beans to make a vegetarian version; they add creaminess and protein without meat.
- Add diced avocado or guacamole after baking for a creamy texture contrast and fresh taste.
- Top with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like extra tang and heat.
Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 ounces ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large bag tortilla chips (about 10-12 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)
- 1 cup diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup sliced fresh jalapeño peppers
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, for serving
- Optional: sliced black olives, guacamole, salsa, sliced green onions
Time You’ll Need:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and cooking. Cooking the ground beef and seasoning takes around 10 minutes, and baking the nachos with cheese melts quickly in 8-10 minutes. So all together, you can get this dish ready in about 20-25 minutes, perfect for a quick snack or casual meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, around 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed. Mix in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water following the package instructions. Let it simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes, then take it off the heat.
2. Assemble the Nachos:
Spread a single even layer of tortilla chips on a large sheet pan. Sprinkle the seasoned ground beef evenly on top of the chips. Cover everything with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese. Add diced red onions as well for extra flavor.
3. Melt Cheese and Add Fresh Toppings:
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes or until the cheese melts fully and becomes bubbly. Remove from the oven and immediately top with fresh diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro. Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side. Enjoy your delicious and colorful loaded nachos!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps the beef cook evenly and reduces excess moisture that can make the nachos soggy.
Can I Make Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the seasoned beef in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When ready, assemble the nachos and bake just before serving to keep the chips crispy and fresh.
How Should I Store Leftover Nachos?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheating chips may cause them to lose their crunch, so try to enjoy the nachos fresh whenever possible.
Can I Customize the Toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap or add toppings like black beans, olives, corn, or different cheeses. You can also adjust the heat by using mild or hot jalapeños or skipping them altogether.