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Ultimate Game Day Loaded Nacho Bar with Ground Beef

loaded nacho bar with ground beef - featured image
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A fully loaded nacho bar with seasoned ground beef, silky homemade cheese sauce, and all your favorite toppings. Perfect for game day, movie nights, or any fun gathering where everyone builds their own plate.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips (restaurant-style or scoop chips)
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned all over, about 6-8 minutes. Do not drain all the fat.
  3. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
  4. Push beef to one side of the pan. Add tomato paste to the empty space and cook for 1 minute, stirring until it darkens slightly.
  5. Pour in beef broth and stir everything together. Let simmer for 5-7 minutes until liquid is mostly absorbed and beef is coated in a rich sauce. Adjust salt to taste. Keep warm on low heat.
  6. For the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly, until nutty-smelling.
  7. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking continuously. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and bubbles, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Remove pan from heat. Add grated cheddar cheese a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted before adding more. Stir in salt and cayenne pepper. If too thick, whisk in a splash more milk. Keep warm in a small slow cooker or heat-proof bowl.
  9. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange tortilla chips on a large platter or rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Top with some beef and cheese sauce, then add another layer of chips, more beef, and more cheese sauce.
  10. Bake for 5 minutes until hot and melty.
  11. While baking, arrange cold toppings in small bowls: black beans, tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.
  12. Remove nacho platter from oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top. Serve immediately, letting everyone add their own cold toppings.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the sauce—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Sturdy chips like restaurant-style or scoop chips are essential to prevent sogginess. Layer chips, beef, and cheese sauce to ensure every chip gets flavor. Always add cold toppings after baking to keep them fresh. The cheese sauce can be kept warm in a small slow cooker on the ‘warm’ setting.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, loaded nachos, game day food, ground beef nachos, nacho bar, party food, football food, Tex-Mex

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