Totally Epic Loaded Nachos

If you’re looking for the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will steal the show at your next gathering, look no further than these Totally Epic Loaded Nachos. Bursting with flavor, texture, and a delightful mix of toppings, this dish is perfect for game days, movie nights, or any celebration where delicious food is a must. Imagine layers of crispy tortilla chips and Fritos Scoops topped with gooey melted cheese, savory ground beef, and vibrant vegetables. Say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to a nacho experience that will leave everyone raving!

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

Loaded nachos are the quintessential comfort food that appeals to everyone. They’re customizable, easy to share, and so indulgent that they make any occasion feel special. The combination of textures—from crunchy chips to creamy toppings—combined with a medley of flavors makes each bite a delightful surprise. Plus, who can resist a dish that invites everyone to dig in and enjoy together? With the Totally Epic Loaded Nachos, you can cater to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that everyone leaves the table satisfied and happy.

What Goes In

To create your own batch of Totally Epic Loaded Nachos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 13-ounce (368.54g) bag tortilla chips: The perfect base for your nacho mountain.
• 10.5-ounce (297.67g) bag Fritos Scoops: Adds an extra crunch and scoopable goodness.
• 12 ounces (340.2g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (3 cups): For that melty, creamy texture.
• 12 ounces (340.2g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (3 cups): Adds a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
• 16-ounce (453.59g) can refried beans: A hearty layer that provides protein and flavor.
• 15-ounce (425.24g) can black beans, drained: For added richness and a pop of color.
• 1 pound (226.8g) ground beef, cooked with 1 packet of taco seasoning: The classic nacho protein that ties everything together.
• 1 poblano pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips: For a subtle heat and crunch.
• 1 medium Spanish onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch.
• 16-ounce (453.59ml) jar taco sauce: A zesty sauce to drizzle all over.
• 1 cup (390g) salsa: For a fresh and tangy kick.
• 2 cups (460ml) sour cream: Creaminess that brings balance to the dish.
• 12-ounce (340.2g) jar pickled sliced jalapeños, drained: Adds a spicy zing.
• 6 scallions, thinly sliced: For a mild onion flavor and fresh garnish.
• 1 cup (246g) frozen corn kernels, thawed: Sweetness and color contrast.
• 2 avocados, chopped: Creamy and delicious, a fresh addition.
• 1 cup (16g) coarsely chopped cilantro: For a burst of freshness.

What You’ll Need (Gear)

To whip up these Totally Epic Loaded Nachos, gather the following gear:

• Large Baking Sheet: To hold all the delicious toppings.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing and combining ingredients.
• Spatula: For spreading the refried beans and toppings.
• Cheese Grater: If you’re shredding your cheese from blocks.
• Oven: To melt the cheese and warm everything through.
• Serving Platter: To present your nachos in style.

Totally Epic Loaded Nachos: How It’s Done

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your nachos will get perfectly crispy and melty.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef with the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Arrange the Chips

On your large baking sheet, spread out half of the tortilla chips and Fritos Scoops in an even layer. This will serve as your base.

Step 4: Layer the Refried Beans

Using a spatula, spread the refried beans evenly over the chips. This layer adds richness and helps hold everything together.

Step 5: Add the Beef

Next, sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the refried beans, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Now it’s time for the cheese! Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese over the beef layer.

Step 7: Load the Veggies

Scatter the chopped poblano pepper, finely chopped onion, thawed corn, and drained black beans over the cheese layer. This adds color and crunch!

Step 8: Repeat the Layers

Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla chips and Fritos, followed by a second layer of refried beans, ground beef, and the rest of the cheese.

Step 9: Bake

Place your loaded nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 10: Final Touches

Once out of the oven, drizzle taco sauce and salsa over the top. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, pickled jalapeños, scallions, chopped avocados, and cilantro.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, and watch as your guests dive into this plate of Totally Epic Loaded Nachos!

Health-Conscious Tweaks

If you’re looking to make some health-conscious tweaks to your nachos, consider the following options:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter protein option.
• Use low-fat cheese or cheese alternatives to reduce calories and fat.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-packed substitute.
• Load up on more veggies like spinach, diced tomatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrients.

Behind-the-Scenes Notes

• Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste. Add things like olives, diced jalapeños, or different types of cheese.
• For an extra kick, consider adding some hot sauce or fresh diced chilies.
• These nachos can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more beans or vegetables.
• Leftover nachos can be re-baked the next day for a quick snack, although they may lose some crunch.

Shelf Life & Storage

The best way to enjoy your Totally Epic Loaded Nachos is fresh out of the oven. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, you may want to add a little extra cheese and pop them back in the oven to revive that melty goodness.

Reader Questions

Can I use tortilla chips instead of Fritos Scoops?

Absolutely! You can use any tortilla chips you prefer; Fritos Scoops just add a fun texture and scoopable quality.

How can I make these nachos gluten-free?

To make the nachos gluten-free, simply check that your tortilla chips and taco seasoning are certified gluten-free.

Can I prepare the nachos in advance?

While it’s best to bake them fresh, you can prepare the layers in advance and assemble them just before baking for a quick and easy meal.

What can I serve with nachos?

Nachos pair wonderfully with a side of guacamole, extra salsa, or even a refreshing salad to balance out the richness.

What to Make After This

• Buffalo Chicken Dip: A spicy, creamy dip perfect for sharing.
• Loaded Potato Skins: Crispy potato skins topped with cheese and bacon.
• Veggie Quesadillas: Quick and easy quesadillas packed with veggies.
• Taco Salad: A hearty salad that captures all the flavors of tacos.

Ready, Set, Cook

Now that you have the recipe for Totally Epic Loaded Nachos, gather your friends and family, and get ready to create a memorable feast. This dish is all about fun, flavor, and shared experiences, so don’t hold back on the toppings! Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite, and relish the smiles around the table. The only thing better than the nachos themselves will be the conversations and laughter they inspire. Happy cooking!

Totally Epic Loaded Nachos

These Totally Epic Loaded Nachos are a crowd-pleaser! Layered with crispy chips, melty cheese, and savory toppings, they're perfect for any gathering.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 bag tortilla chips (13-ounce)
• 1 bag Fritos Scoops (10.5-ounce)
• 12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (3 cups)
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (3 cups)
• 16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
• 15 ounces black beans (drained)
• 1 pound ground beef, cooked with 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1 poblano pepper (seeded and cut into thin strips)
• 1 medium Spanish onion (finely chopped)
• 16 ounces taco sauce (1 jar)
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 cups sour cream
• 12 ounces pickled sliced jalapeños (drained)
• 6 scallions (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels (thawed)
• 2 avocados (chopped)
• 1 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• Mixing Bowls
• Spatula
• Cheese grater
• Oven
• Serving Platter

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef with the taco seasoning according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
3. On your large baking sheet, spread out half of the tortilla chips and Fritos Scoops in an even layer.
4. Using a spatula, spread the refried beans evenly over the chips.
5. Next, sprinkle the cooked ground beef over the refried beans.
6. Sprinkle half of the Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese over the beef layer.
7. Scatter the chopped poblano pepper, finely chopped onion, thawed corn, and drained black beans over the cheese layer.
8. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortilla chips and Fritos, followed by a second layer of refried beans, ground beef, and the rest of the cheese.
9. Place your loaded nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Once out of the oven, drizzle taco sauce and salsa over the top. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, pickled jalapeños, scallions, chopped avocados, and cilantro.
11. Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Notes

• Customize the toppings to suit your taste with olives or different cheeses.
• For an extra kick, add hot sauce or fresh diced chilies.
• Make it vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more beans or vegetables.