BBQ Beef Nachos (Printable)

Crispy chips piled with smoky barbecue beef, melty cheese, and classic nacho toppings for game day.

# What You'll Need:

→ Beef

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 cup barbecue sauce
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Nachos

07 - 10 ounces sturdy tortilla chips
08 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 1/3 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
12 - 1/2 cup diced red onion
13 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
14 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
15 - 1 avocado, diced (optional)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Set oven to 400°F and allow to preheat fully.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and chopped onion until beef is browned and onion is softened, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 additional minute, then stir in barbecue sauce and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until slightly thickened.
04 - Spread tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
05 - Spoon barbecue beef mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses uniformly across the top.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from oven and top with sour cream, pickled jalapeños, diced red onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado if using.
08 - Transfer to serving platter and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you spent all afternoon smoking brisket.
  • The barbecue beef is so flavorful you will want to double the batch and freeze half for next time.
  • Everyone can customize their own plate with toppings, which makes it perfect for picky eaters and adventurous ones alike.
02 -
  • Do not skip draining the beef, soggy nachos are the enemy of a good time.
  • Use two kinds of cheese for the best melt and flavor, one cheese alone just does not cut it.
  • Add toppings right before serving so the chips stay crispy and the sour cream does not melt into oblivion.
03 -
  • Toast your chips lightly in the oven for a few minutes before topping them, it makes them extra crispy and less likely to wilt under the beef.
  • Use a cast iron skillet or sheet pan for even heat distribution and a beautiful presentation straight from oven to table.
  • Double the barbecue beef recipe and freeze half, you will thank yourself next time game day sneaks up on you.
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