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Easy Game Day Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef

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A build-your-own nacho bar with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and all your favorite toppings. Perfect for game day or any casual gathering, this no-bake setup lets everyone create their perfect plate in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 large bag restaurant-style tortilla chips (about 16 ounces)
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) refried beans, warmed
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or chunky salsa
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 green onions, sliced thin
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup pickled red onions (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)
  • Crumbled queso fresco (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get brown bits. Break it up and continue cooking until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes total. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the diced onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened, then stir into the beef. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
  4. Pour in the beef broth and stir in the tomato paste if using. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid reduces and coats the meat. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  5. While the beef simmers, warm the black beans in a small saucepan over low heat with a pinch of salt and a splash of water for about 3 minutes. Warm the refried beans in a separate pan or microwave-safe bowl.
  6. Dice the avocado, slice the green onions, chop the cilantro, and cut the lime into wedges. Drain the jalapeños. Arrange all toppings in small bowls.
  7. Pour tortilla chips onto a large platter or leave in the bag. Arrange all bowls in a line or circle: beef, beans, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado, jalapeños, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges, and optional toppings.
  8. Let everyone build their own plate: start with chips, then add beef, beans, cheese, and cold toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Keep chips separate from hot toppings until serving to prevent sogginess. For best flavor, use 80/20 ground beef and shred cheese yourself. The beef can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated with a splash of broth. For a vegetarian version, substitute plant-based crumble or extra black beans.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, game day, ground beef, loaded nachos, nacho bar, party food, easy appetizer, build your own nachos

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/easy-game-day-loaded-nacho-bar-with-ground-beef/