Loaded nachos

Introduction

Loaded nachos are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner. This versatile dish allows you to pile on your favorite toppings, from seasoned ground beef to gooey melted cheese, refried beans, and spicy jalapeños. Easy to make and customizable to your taste, these nachos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

Taco Seasoning:

• 5 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon oregano leaves
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Nachos:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as RO-TEL®)
• 1 (15-ounce) can Mexican-style corn (optional)
• 1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or as needed
• 4 ounces tortilla chips, or as needed

Toppings (Optional):

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup green onion

Instructions

1. Prepare the Taco Seasoning:
   • In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring until browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes.
   • Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the skillet. Cook and stir until the vegetables are softened and most of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes.
3. Add Tomatoes and Corn:
   • Stir in half of the can of diced tomatoes with green chiles and the Mexican-style corn (if using) into the skillet. Season the mixture with the prepared taco seasoning mix to taste.
4. Prepare the Refried Beans:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the remaining half of the diced tomatoes with green chiles and the refried beans. Microwave on high for 1 to 3 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through.
5. Assemble the Nachos:
   • On a microwave-safe plate, lay half of the tortilla chips in a single layer. Drop teaspoons of the refried bean mixture onto the chips, followed by the meat mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining chips, beans, meat, and cheese to make a second layer.
6. Melt the Cheese:
   • Microwave the assembled nachos on high for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the nachos are warmed through.
7. Add Toppings:
   • Top the nachos with sour cream, salsa, olives, jalapeños, and green onions as desired.

Conclusion

Loaded nachos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal that everyone will love. With layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, every bite is a burst of flavor. Perfect for sharing, these nachos can be customized with different meats, beans, and veggies to suit your taste. Enjoy these warm, cheesy nachos fresh out of the microwave or oven with family and friends!