Oven-Baked Nachos

Oven-Baked Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or casual dinners. These delicious layers of tortilla chips topped with seasoned beef, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering experience that everyone will enjoy. The addition of a zesty lime sour cream drizzle adds a unique twist, making these nachos stand out among the rest.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of seasoned beef and fresh ingredients creates bold flavors.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe serves 8, making it ideal for parties or family dinners.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The layers of cheese and toppings make every bite irresistible.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Springform pan
• Medium-sized skillet
• Squeeze bottle (for sauce)
• Mixing bowls
• Cooking utensils (spatula, knife, etc.)

Importance of Each Tool

• Springform pan: This tool allows easy assembly and serving of your nachos without the mess.
• Medium-sized skillet: Perfect for cooking the beef evenly while maximizing flavor absorption from the taco seasoning.

Ingredients

Tortilla chips loaded with seasoned beef, diced veggies, avocado, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese plus a drizzle of tangy lime sour cream…

For the Nachos

• large bags tortilla chips (13oz. bag)
• lb lean ground beef
• tablespoons taco seasoning
• can black beans, drained
• orange pepper, diced
• small red onion, diced
• cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• from 2 ears of corn
• can black olives, sliced
• can green olives, sliced
• scallions, chopped
• jalapeños, thinly sliced
• cups Monterey Jack cheese
• cups cheddar cheese

For the Sauce

• cup sour cream
• of 2 limes (juice)
• teaspoon kosher salt

For Garnish

• avocado, chopped
• tablespoons chopped cilantro

How to Make Oven-Baked Nachos

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s hot enough for baking your nachos to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare Sauce

• In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, lime juice, and salt.
• Stir well until mixed thoroughly.
• Transfer the mixture into a squeeze bottle and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

• Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart as it cooks.
• Once fully browned and no pink remains, stir in the taco seasoning for an additional minute.
• Remove excess fat by transferring cooked beef to a paper towel-lined strainer.

Step 4: Assemble the Nachos

• Cut parchment paper to create a collar inside a 10-inch springform pan that rises two inches above the top.
• Sprinkle a handful of tortilla chips in an even layer at the bottom of the pan.
• Add a handful of cooked beef followed by veggies like black beans and peppers.
• Top with 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese.
• Repeat layering until all ingredients are used up. Crush any remaining chips as a final topping layer along with leftover meat and veggies.

Step 5: Bake and Serve

• Place your assembled nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until cheese is perfectly melted.
• Carefully remove from oven using oven mitts; place onto a large round plate.
• Gently release and lift off the springform ring before removing parchment paper.
• Drizzle with lime sour cream mixture over the top along with avocado and cilantro. Serve immediately!

How to Serve Oven-Baked Nachos

Oven-Baked Nachos are perfect for sharing and can be customized in many ways to suit your taste. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will enhance your nacho experience.

Pair with Dips

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice, garlic, and cilantro makes a fresh dip.
• Salsa: A zesty option made from tomatoes, onions, and spices adds a burst of flavor.
• Queso: Melted cheese dip is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with crunchy chips.

Add Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes brighten up the plate and add juiciness.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, jalapeños provide the perfect kick.
• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of cilantro adds freshness and a pop of color.

Serve with Beverages

• Iced Tea: A sweet or unsweetened iced tea complements the savory flavors well.
• Sparkling Water: Refreshing sparkling water is ideal for cutting through richness.

How to Perfect Oven-Baked Nachos

Creating the ultimate Oven-Baked Nachos is all about layering flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your nachos are top-notch.

• Bold seasoning: Use ample taco seasoning on your beef for maximum flavor; consider adding extra spices if desired.
• Layer wisely: Alternate layers of chips, meat, veggies, and cheese to ensure every bite has a mix of flavors.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the nachos while baking; they should be golden and bubbly but not overcooked.
• Use quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality cheese elevate the dish significantly.

Best Side Dishes for Oven-Baked Nachos

Adding side dishes can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside your Oven-Baked Nachos.

1. Mexican Street Corn Salad: A creamy salad made with corn, lime, and cotija cheese that complements nachos perfectly.
2. Black Bean Soup: This hearty soup adds protein and flavor while being easy to prepare ahead of time.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice with a citrusy twist balances out the rich flavors of the nachos.
4. Chili Con Carne: A warm bowl of chili offers a satisfying contrast to the crunchy nachos.
5. Avocado Salad: Crisp greens topped with avocado provide a refreshing touch next to cheesy nachos.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies make for a healthy side while enhancing the overall meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will ensure your Oven-Baked Nachos turn out perfect every time. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Using stale chips: Fresh tortilla chips make a big difference. Buy them close to the date you plan to use them for the best crunch.
• Overloading with toppings: While it’s tempting, avoid piling on too many toppings. Too much can lead to soggy nachos. Stick to a balanced layering of ingredients.
• Not preheating the oven: Skipping this step can affect how well the cheese melts and how crispy the chips get. Always preheat your oven to 350°F before baking.
• Ignoring cooking times: Keep an eye on your nachos while they bake. Cooking too long can burn the cheese and ruin the dish, so set a timer!
• Forgetting to season: Don’t forget that seasoning is key! Ensure you season each layer, especially the beef and veggies, for maximum flavor throughout.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• If possible, separate the toppings from the chips to maintain crispness.

Freezing Oven-Baked Nachos

• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Oven-Baked Nachos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed, but be aware that chips may lose their crunch.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Oven-Baked Nachos:

What kind of cheese is best for Oven-Baked Nachos?

You can mix Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese for a great combination of flavors and meltability.

Can I make Oven-Baked Nachos vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra veggies or black beans for protein.

How do I customize my Oven-Baked Nachos?

Feel free to add any toppings you enjoy such as jalapeños, different cheeses, or even guacamole!

Can I use corn tortillas instead of tortilla chips?

While traditional nachos use tortilla chips, you can cut corn tortillas into triangles and bake them until crispy as an alternative.

How long do Oven-Baked Nachos last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

Oven-Baked Nachos are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite ingredients or adjust them according to dietary preferences. Try this recipe today and enjoy a flavorful snack or meal that everyone will love!