Nachos Supreme Recipe | Ultimate Loaded Nachos
1. Introduction
Nachos Supreme are the ultimate comfort food — crispy, cheesy, and loaded with layers of savory goodness. Perfect for game days, parties, or casual dinners, these nachos are built to impress. With every bite, you get the crunch of tortilla chips, the richness of melted cheese, and the kick of seasoned beef and jalapeños.
This recipe takes you step-by-step through creating perfectly layered nachos, ensuring each chip gets its share of toppings. You’ll learn how to build nachos that are crisp, flavorful, and satisfying — no soggy chips, no bland bites, just pure cheesy perfection.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
1. Tortilla Chips (1 large bag, about 12 oz)
- The base of your nachos. Choose thick, restaurant-style chips for best results.
- Substitute: Corn chips or baked tortilla chips for a lighter option.
2. Ground Beef (1 pound)
- Provides hearty, meaty flavor.
- Substitute: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumble for a lighter version.
3. Taco Seasoning (2 tablespoons)
- Essential for spiced, flavorful beef.
- Homemade or store-bought both work well.
4. Refried Beans (1 cup)
- Adds creaminess and holds the toppings together.
- Substitute: Black beans or pinto beans for a chunkier texture.
5. Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
- Melts beautifully and gives a sharp, tangy flavor.
- Substitute: Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend for extra creaminess.
6. Jalapeño Slices (¼ cup)
- Adds heat and zing.
- Substitute: Pickled or fresh, or skip for a mild version.
7. Diced Tomatoes (1 cup)
- Brings freshness and color.
8. Black Olives (¼ cup, sliced)
- Adds a salty balance to the richness.
9. Green Onions (2, chopped)
- Adds freshness and a mild onion note.
10. Sour Cream (½ cup)
- Creamy, cool topping that balances spice.
11. Guacamole (½ cup)
- Creamy, rich avocado goodness.
12. Salsa (½ cup)
- Adds a zesty, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
Optional Additions and Substitutions
- Chicken Nachos: Swap beef for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat and use black beans, corn, and peppers.
- Extra Creamy: Add queso or nacho cheese sauce.
- Spicy Lovers: Add hot sauce or diced fresh chilies.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Assemble the Nachos
- Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly on the tray.
- Spoon half of the refried beans and seasoned beef over the chips.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese.
- Repeat with remaining chips, beans, beef, and cheese to create a second layer.
Step 4: Bake
- Place the tray in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Remove and let cool slightly before adding cold toppings.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
- Scatter diced tomatoes, jalapeños, black olives, and green onions over the melted cheese.
- Add dollops of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa across the top for a colorful, layered finish.
4. Tips and Variations
Expert Tips:
- Build nachos in layers to ensure even distribution of toppings.
- Use freshly shredded cheese — it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Don’t overload with wet toppings before baking; add them after to avoid soggy chips.
Creative Variations:
- BBQ Chicken Nachos: Use BBQ sauce and shredded chicken.
- Breakfast Nachos: Add scrambled eggs, bacon, and breakfast sausage.
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with black beans, corn, and bell peppers.
- Seafood Nachos: Top with shrimp and creamy cheese sauce.
5. Serving Suggestions
Perfect Pairings:
- Serve with sides like Mexican rice, street corn salad, or quesadillas.
- Offer extra bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for dipping.
- Great for game nights, movie parties, or casual dinners.
Drink Pairings:
- Margaritas, cold beer, or sparkling lime water complement the spice.
Presentation Tip:
- Serve nachos on a large platter for easy sharing. Garnish with cilantro for a fresh touch.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep wet toppings (like sour cream and guacamole) separate.
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F for 8–10 minutes to re-crisp the chips.
- Air Fryer: 350°F for 5 minutes.
- Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy chips.
7. Recipe Notes
- Can be prepped ahead: Cook beef and prep toppings ahead; assemble when ready to bake.
- Use sturdy chips: Thin chips can break under toppings.
- Best with freshly shredded cheese: It melts smoothly and evenly.
- Great for tailgating, parties, or weeknight dinners.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1/6 of Tray)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Calcium | 280 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Appetizer / Snack / Main
Cuisine: Mexican / Tex-Mex
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 bag (12 oz) tortilla chips
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup refried beans
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup jalapeño slices
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup guacamole
- ½ cup salsa
Instructions
- Cook beef with taco seasoning.
- Layer chips, beans, beef, and cheese on a tray.
- Repeat for a second layer and bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Add fresh toppings and serve immediately.
🏷️ Diet Tags
- High-Protein
- Gluten-Free (if using GF chips)
- Party-Friendly
🌿 Health Benefits
- Provides protein and calcium from cheese and beef.
- Tomatoes and jalapeños add vitamins A and C.
- Customizable for balanced nutrition and dietary preferences.
10. FAQs
1. Can I make Nachos Supreme vegetarian?
Yes — skip the meat and add black beans, corn, and sautéed vegetables.
2. How do I keep nachos crispy?
Layer carefully, avoid overloading with wet toppings before baking, and serve immediately.
3. Can I use other meats?
Yes — shredded chicken, pork carnitas, or chorizo work great.
4. Can nachos be made ahead?
Assemble all ingredients separately and layer right before baking for best texture.
5. What’s the best cheese for nachos?
Sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack — both melt beautifully and add flavor.
11. Final Thoughts
Nachos Supreme are the perfect way to turn a simple snack into a full meal or party centerpiece. With their crispy layers, rich cheese, and bold toppings, every bite delivers a burst of flavor and texture.
Whether you’re hosting game night or craving comfort food, these nachos will satisfy everyone at the table. Make a big batch, dig in, and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite.