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Ultimate Game Day Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef

loaded nacho bar with ground beef - featured image
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A customizable nacho bar featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and a variety of toppings, perfect for game day gatherings. This stress-free setup lets everyone build their own plate, ensuring every guest is happy.

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
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 large bag (13–16 ounces) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup refried beans (optional)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup guacamole
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup pickled jalapeños
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Cook the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Season the beef: Reduce heat to medium. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Pour in beef broth and let simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid has mostly evaporated and beef is coated in a thick sauce. Turn off heat and set aside.
  3. Prepare the nacho base: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil. Spread tortilla chips in an even layer. If using refried beans, drop small spoonfuls over chips. Spoon seasoned ground beef evenly over chips. Sprinkle shredded cheese over everything.
  4. Bake the nachos: Place sheet pan in preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Watch to avoid burning chips.
  5. Set up the toppings bar: While nachos bake, arrange toppings in small bowls. Group by type: creamy (sour cream, guacamole), fresh (pico, cilantro, green onions), and briny (jalapeños, olives).
  6. Assemble and serve: Remove sheet pan from oven. Let cool for 2-3 minutes. Place pan on a trivet in the center of the table. Arrange topping bowls around it. Let everyone build their own plate.

Notes

For best results, use 80/20 ground beef for juiciness. Shred cheese yourself for smoother melting. Use sturdy chips like Tostitos Scoops. Bake nachos right before serving to prevent sogginess. Warm refried beans and black beans before adding to the bar. Leftover beef can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and used in tacos or quesadillas.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, game day, ground beef, loaded nachos, party food, appetizer, customizable

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/ultimate-game-day-loaded-nacho-bar-with-ground-beef/