Bold & Cheesy Fiesta Nachos

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There’s nothing quite like a mountain of crispy nachos loaded with gooey cheese, perfectly seasoned toppings, and a zingy burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re planning a casual movie night or hosting game-day friends, these Bold & Cheesy Fiesta Nachos are sure to become a new favorite.

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Ingredients

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  • 1 bag tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup cooked ground beef or shredded chicken (seasoned with taco spices)
  • 1 cup refried beans (optional)
  • ½ cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup diced red onions
  • ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tortilla chips evenly across a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter. This is your canvas, so make sure the chips aren’t piled too high; you want maximum surface area for your toppings.

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Next, warm the refried beans on the stovetop with a little water or broth to make them more spreadable, then drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the chips. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil and quickly sauté your ground beef or shredded chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and any preferred taco seasoning. Scatter this savory protein across the chips and beans.

Top everything with a generous sprinkle of cheese, covering as many chips as possible. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once out of the oven, rain down the diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapeños, and chopped cilantro on your cheesy masterpiece.

Finish by drizzling sour cream or adding dollops of guacamole and salsa for a satisfying cool contrast to the melted cheese and spicy toppings. Serve immediately so the nachos stay crisp and the cheese stays hot and gooey.

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These Bold & Cheesy Fiesta Nachos are a great option for a quick snack, easy party favorite, or even a fun weeknight dinner. With versatile ingredients, you can keep them vegetarian by swapping the meat for sautéed peppers and onions, or go all-in on spicy flavors by adding extra jalapeños or hot sauce. The best part? Every batch can be customized to different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring you always have a crowd-pleasing dish ready to go.

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.