The Origin of Nachos and Why They’re a Crowd Favorite
Nachos were first created in 1943 in Piedras Negras, Mexico, when a group of military wives visited a local restaurant after hours. The chef, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, improvised with tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños—and the rest is history. Today, nachos have evolved into countless variations, including the famous “Nacho Supreme,” which piles on layers of beef, beans, cheese, and fresh toppings. This Epic Beef Nacho Supreme recipe takes that classic comfort food and turns it into a full meal, perfect for family gatherings, parties, or game night. It’s a dish that brings everyone together around one tray of cheesy, crunchy goodness.
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Why This Nacho Supreme Recipe Works So Well
What makes these nachos epic is the balance of flavors and textures. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices delivers hearty, savory flavor. Refried beans add creaminess that complements the crispy tortilla chips. Two kinds of cheese—cheddar and Monterey Jack—melt into gooey perfection, holding everything together. Finally, fresh tomatoes and green onions give a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness. Each layer is carefully built to ensure every bite is satisfying. This recipe is versatile, too—you can swap in chicken, add jalapeños, or drizzle with sour cream for extra flair.
A Simple Recipe with Maximum Flavor
Even though the result looks restaurant-worthy, this recipe is surprisingly simple. Most of the work is done in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings. Using store-bought taco seasoning saves time, but homemade seasoning adds a personal touch. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—you can serve it straight from the oven on baking sheets for a casual family-style meal or arrange it neatly for parties. Either way, Epic Beef Nacho Supreme is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have people asking for seconds.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
- ¾ cup water
For the Nachos:
- 2 bags tortilla chips (16 oz each)
- 1 can refried beans
- 16 oz shredded cheese (cheddar & Monterey Jack recommended)
- 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with diced onions for about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Add Seasoning
Return beef to the pan, add taco seasoning and ¾ cup water. Stir well and simmer until the liquid reduces, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Prepare the Chips
Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips on each baking sheet.
Step 5: Add Beans and Beef
Spoon refried beans evenly over chips, then add half the seasoned beef mixture to each tray.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until cheese melts and chips are crisp.
Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve
Remove from oven, sprinkle with diced tomatoes and green onions. Serve immediately while hot.
Timing & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
Approx. Nutrition (per serving):
- Calories: 580
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
Epic Beef Nacho Supreme
Q1: Can I make nachos ahead of time?
It’s best to serve nachos fresh from the oven. If making ahead, prepare the beef and toppings, then assemble and bake just before serving.
Q2: What cheese is best for nachos?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics, but pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend also work well.
Q3: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Cook shredded chicken with taco seasoning for a lighter variation.
Q4: How do I keep nachos from getting soggy?
Serve immediately and avoid overloading chips with wet toppings before baking. Add fresh toppings like tomatoes and onions after baking.
Q5: Can I add more toppings?
Absolutely—sour cream, jalapeños, guacamole, salsa, or olives are all delicious add-ons.