Skillet Beef Nachos
The Ultimate Skillet Beef Nachos
Golden, cheesy, and loaded with seasoned ground beef, these Skillet Beef Nachos are the ultimate sharing meal. Made in one cast iron skillet, they’re packed with bold Tex-Mex flavours, fresh toppings, and finished with our homemade Avocado Crema for the perfect bite every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Made in one skillet for easy cooking and cleanup.
- Loaded with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings.
- Perfect for game day, parties, movie nights, or an easy weeknight dinner.
- Easy to customize with your favourite nacho toppings.
Quick Recipe Summary
These homemade skillet nachos start with ground beef and diced onion cooked together until perfectly browned before being coated in taco seasoning. The beef is layered with crispy tortilla chips, salsa, and a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella before being baked until the cheese is hot and bubbly. Once out of the oven, everything is topped with crisp iceberg lettuce, green onions, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of our creamy Avocado Crema for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make these loaded skillet nachos.
- Ground beef: Lean ground beef makes the hearty base of the recipe.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and flavour as it cooks with the beef.
- Taco seasoning: Gives the beef its classic Tex-Mex flavour.
- Tortilla chips: Choose thick, restaurant-style chips that can hold up to all the toppings.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds bold cheesy flavour.
- Mozzarella cheese: Creates extra gooey cheese pulls.
- Salsa: Adds moisture and fresh tomato flavour.
- Iceberg lettuce: Brings a cool, crisp crunch after baking.
- Green onions: Add freshness and a mild onion bite.
- Fresh cilantro: Brightens every bite.
- Avocado Crema: Our homemade avocado crema ties everything together with a cool, creamy finish.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef.
- Pepper Jack cheese is a great option if you’d like a little extra heat.
- Restaurant-style tortilla chips stay crisp much better than thin chips.
- Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeรฑos, or sliced olives to make them even more loaded.
- Don’t skip the Avocado Crema. It balances the richness of the beef and cheese perfectly.
How to Make Skillet Beef Nachos
Step 1
Cook the diced onion in olive oil until softened, then add the ground beef. Brown the beef completely before stirring in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer until the beef is well coated and the seasoning has thickened.
Step 2
Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the beef, then spoon the salsa across the chips. Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella evenly over everything so every bite gets plenty of cheese.
Step 3
Bake until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and just beginning to brown around the edges.
Step 4
Remove the skillet from the oven and immediately top with shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro. Finish with a generous drizzle of our homemade Avocado Crema before serving.
Pro Tips
- Use sturdy tortilla chips so they don’t become soggy.
- Spread the cheese evenly to ensure every chip gets covered.
- Wait until after baking to add the lettuce so it stays crisp.
- Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and stretchy.
- Warm the Avocado Crema slightly if you’d like it to drizzle more easily.
Common Mistakes
- Using thin tortilla chips that break under the toppings.
- Adding too much salsa before baking, which can make the chips soggy.
- Overbaking the nachos, causing the cheese to become greasy.
- Waiting too long to serve them after baking.
Storage & Reheating
These nachos are best enjoyed fresh from the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in a 375ยฐF oven or air fryer until warmed through. The chips won’t be quite as crisp as when freshly made, but they’ll still be delicious. For the best texture, store the fresh toppings separately and add them after reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the seasoned beef in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake the nachos just before serving.
What skillet should I use?
A 10 to 12-inch cast iron skillet works perfectly and keeps the nachos warm while serving.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or a Tex-Mex cheese blend all work well.
What should I serve with nachos?
They’re delicious on their own or served alongside guacamole, Mexican rice, refried beans, or extra salsa and Avocado Crema.
Skillet Beef Nachos
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
Nachos
- 8 oz 225 g sturdy tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup salsa
Garnish
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe cast iron skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the beef.
- Spoon the salsa over the chips.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over top.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with the shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
