Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos – Quick and Easy Game Day Snack
Table of Contents
Extra Special Nachos for Any Occasion
Creating the Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos was one of those serendipitous moments in the kitchen that I love. It all started on a rainy Sunday afternoon, the kind of day that calls for comfort food and a good movie marathon. I was craving something indulgent yet easy to make—something that would satisfy everyone in the house without keeping me tied to the stove for hours. Nachos were the first thing that came to mind.
But I didn’t want just any nachos; I wanted to make them extra special. I remembered the last time I made nachos, and while they were tasty, they lacked that wow factor. This time, I was determined to create a version that would make everyone pause the movie and look up at the table with wide eyes.
How to Make Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos
I started by rummaging through my fridge and pantry, gathering ingredients I thought would elevate this dish. I found some lean ground beef, a block of sharp cheddar, and a bunch of fresh veggies just waiting to be chopped up. As I diced the tomatoes for the Pico de Gallo, the smell of fresh cilantro filled the kitchen, reminding me of the street vendors in Mexico who always seemed to have a bowl of freshly made salsa on hand.
Once the ground beef was sizzling away in the pan, seasoned to perfection with a homemade taco spice blend, I knew I was on the right track. The key to making nachos truly ultimate, I realized, was in the layering. Each chip needed its share of the beef, cheese, and toppings. So I took my time spreading everything out on the sheet pan, ensuring that no chip was left behind.
When the Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos came out of the oven, all bubbly and golden, I knew I’d created something special. The final touch was a sprinkle of fresh avocado and cilantro, adding a burst of color and freshness to every bite. We barely made it through the opening credits before everyone was reaching for a plate, piling on the nachos, and diving in. And just like that, my Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos were born—a dish that’s now a game-day staple in our house, rain or shine.
Chef’s Notes – Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos
Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos
4
servings15
minutes15
minutes650
kcal30
minutesGet ready to wow your taste buds with these Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos! Perfect for game day or a quick dinner, this recipe is loaded with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. It’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 30 minutes. Dive into layers of crispy tortilla chips, savory beef, and vibrant Pico de Gallo. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Don’t miss out on this ultimate nacho experience!
Ingredients
- Pico de Gallo
1 pint cherry tomatoes diced
garlic finely minced
1/4 cup red onion finely diced
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- Sheet Pan Nachos
1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
8 ounces shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese blend
3 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
14 ounces tortilla chips (one large bag)
3/4 cup red onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced
2 scallions thinly sliced
6 ounces black olives chopped
1 jalapeño pepper thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
- Garnish
1 ripe avocado diced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves chopped
Directions
- Pico de Gallo Preparation – In a medium bowl, combine diced cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, finely diced red onion, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste and set aside.
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position the rack in the center. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cook Beef – Heat olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped red onion and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Season Beef – Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble Nachos – Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the chips in an even layer.
- Add Cheese – Sprinkle the shredded cheese blend generously over the top of the beef and chips.
- Bake Nachos – Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Final Toppings – Remove the nachos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Top with prepared Pico de Gallo, sliced scallions, chopped black olives, and thinly sliced jalapeño pepper.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- baking sheet
- mixing bowls
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 650kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Potassium: 700mg
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 20IU
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 20mg
- Layering Technique: For the best results, layer your nachos on the sheet pan. Start with a base layer of chips, then add some beef, cheese, and toppings before repeating the process. This ensures even distribution and that each chip has a bit of everything.
- Cheese Melting: To get that perfectly melted cheese, use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack. For an even melt, allow the cheese to come to room temperature before sprinkling it over the nachos.
- Spice it Up: If you like your nachos with a bit of a kick, add extra jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Crunch Factor: To keep the nachos crispy, avoid overloading them with too many toppings before baking. Reserve wetter toppings like Pico de Gallo and avocado for after they come out of the oven.
- Personalization: This Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos recipe is easily customizable—feel free to add or swap out ingredients based on your preferences. Think about adding beans, corn, or even some pulled pork for a unique twist.
- For a complete meal, serve some of our Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Puffs. You can also try it out with these Southwest Beef Tacos.
Southwest Beef Tacos
Cooks in 40 minutesDifficulty: MediumDive into the vibrant flavors of the Southwest with these delectable Beef Tacos! Tender beef, creamy avocado, and a spicy chipotle crema come together in a perfect harmony of taste and texture. Ideal for sharing with friends or enjoying as a hearty meal, these tacos are sure to impress. Inspired by the innovative cuisine at Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill, this recipe brings restaurant-quality dining to your home kitchen.
Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Puffs
Cooks in 37 minutesDifficulty: EasyGet ready to indulge in these irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Cheesecake Puffs! With a flaky exterior and a creamy, rich center, these pastries are a breeze to make using simple kitchen staples. Perfect for any occasion, they’re sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t miss out on this delightful treat!
FAQs – Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the ground beef and Pico de Gallo ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge and assemble the nachos just before baking to ensure they stay crispy.
How do I prevent the nachos from getting soggy?
Make sure to bake the nachos just long enough to melt the cheese, and avoid adding too many wet toppings before baking. Serve immediately after removing them from the oven.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that might affect how it melts. Freshly shredded cheese is always the best option for smooth melting.
