Easy Sheet-Pan Nachos (Print View)

Crispy chips with melty cheese, seasoned beef, and vibrant toppings baked quickly on one tray.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1/2 lb ground beef (alternatively ground turkey or plant-based mince)

→ Spices

02 - 1 tsp chili powder
03 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Base

09 - 7 oz tortilla chips (about 1 large bag, use certified gluten-free for gluten-free option)

→ Cheese

10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

→ Toppings

12 - 1 medium tomato, diced
13 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
15 - 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1/4 cup canned sweet corn, drained
17 - 2 tbsp sliced black olives (optional)
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

→ To Serve

19 - Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole (for serving)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Set oven temperature to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
02 - In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook an additional minute until aromatic, then remove from heat.
04 - Spread tortilla chips evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Top with cooked beef mixture, followed by black beans and corn.
05 - Evenly distribute shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the layered toppings.
06 - Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and starts bubbling.
07 - Remove from oven and immediately garnish with diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño slices, black olives, and chopped cilantro.
08 - Serve hot accompanied by sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything happens on one tray, which means minimal cleanup and maximum time spent with your guests instead of at the sink.
  • The cheese gets all bubbly and golden while the toppings stay fresh and crisp—it's the best of both worlds.
  • You can customize it endlessly based on what's in your fridge, and it still tastes incredible.
02 -
  • Never skip draining the canned beans and corn, or your nachos will get soggy and the chips will lose their crucial crunch.
  • Add the fresh toppings after baking, not before—this keeps the tomatoes from turning watery and the cilantro from wilting into invisibility.
  • If your cheese isn't melting evenly, your oven might have hot spots; rotate the pan halfway through baking.
03 -
  • If you're feeding a crowd and worried about everything cooling down, warm your serving platter in the oven for two minutes before transferring the nachos onto it—this keeps them hot longer.
  • The secret to restaurant-style nachos is making sure every chip gets both cheese and meat; don't just dump the toppings in the middle—spread them all across the pan so every bite is complete.
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