Crispy chips layered with seasoned beef, cheese sauce, jalapeños, and fresh toppings for a delicious snack.
# What You'll Need:
→ Nachos Base
01 - 12 oz sturdy tortilla chips
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 tsp chili powder
05 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Cheese Sauce
11 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
12 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 0.5 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
16 - 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
17 - 1/4 tsp salt
→ Toppings
18 - 0.5 cup pickled jalapeño slices
19 - 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
20 - 1/3 cup sliced scallions
21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
22 - 0.5 cup sour cream
# How to Make It:
01 - Set oven temperature to 350°F and allow to reach full heat.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking apart with a spoon until fully browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into beef. Continue cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a separate container.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until mixture bubbles but remains light in color.
05 - Gradually whisk milk into the roux until completely smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
06 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whisk continuously until all cheese melts and sauce reaches smooth consistency. Remove from heat immediately.
07 - Spread tortilla chips in an even layer across a large oven-safe baking sheet or platter.
08 - Top chips with seasoned beef, then generously drizzle cheese sauce over the entire surface.
09 - Scatter jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, and scallions evenly across the loaded nachos.
10 - Transfer baking sheet to preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until all ingredients are hot and sauce bubbles at edges.
11 - Remove from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add dollops of sour cream throughout. Serve immediately while hot.
