Sheet Pan Nachos Ground Beef

Featured in: Seasonal Family Dinners

This dish features crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned, browned ground beef and melted cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese. Black beans add texture while diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, olives, green onions, cilantro, and creamy sour cream create vibrant layers of flavor. Prepared quickly on a sheet pan and baked until bubbly, it's ideal for sharing at parties or casual get-togethers. Optional avocado adds creaminess, and spices like chili powder and smoked paprika bring a warming kick. Adjust toppings or swap beef for lighter alternatives depending on preference.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:16:00 GMT
A sheet pan of nachos, overflowing with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, ready to enjoy. Save
A sheet pan of nachos, overflowing with seasoned ground beef and melted cheese, ready to enjoy. | pumpkinvale.com

A crowd-pleasing platter of crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings—perfect for sharing at parties or game nights.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings where everyone loved the combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
  • Onion: 1 small onion, finely diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Chili Powder: 1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked Paprika: ½ tsp
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black Pepper: ¼ tsp
  • Water: ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Tortilla Chips: 10 oz (280 g) sturdy tortilla chips
  • Cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
  • Black Beans: 1 cup (150 g) canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • Tomato: 1 medium tomato, diced
  • Pickled Jalapeño Slices: ½ cup (60 g)
  • Black Olives (optional): ½ cup (60 g) sliced
  • Sour Cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
  • Cilantro: ¼ cup (10 g) fresh, chopped
  • Avocado (optional): 1 medium, diced
  • Green Onions: 2, sliced

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Cook Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat cook the ground beef breaking it up with a spoon until browned about 5 minutes.
Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the diced onion and garlic sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Add Spices and Simmer:
Stir in chili powder cumin smoked paprika salt and black pepper Add water and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated Remove from heat.
Arrange Chips:
Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
Add Toppings:
Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the chips Sprinkle black beans then cheese over the top.
Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
Add Fresh Toppings:
Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomato jalapeños olives green onions cilantro and avocado if using.
Serve:
Drizzle with sour cream or serve it on the side Serve hot directly from the pan.
Golden-baked sheet pan nachos feature savory ground beef, vibrant toppings, and melted cheese, perfect for a cozy gathering. Save
Golden-baked sheet pan nachos feature savory ground beef, vibrant toppings, and melted cheese, perfect for a cozy gathering. | pumpkinvale.com

Preparing this dish has become a treasured family moment that brings everyone together to share and enjoy.

Notes

Swap ground turkey or plant-based crumble for a lighter or vegetarian version Add corn diced bell peppers or your favorite salsa for extra flavor Pair with a crisp lager or a zesty margarita.

Required Tools

Large sheet pan Skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese sour cream) check cheese and sour cream labels for possible additives Contains gluten if using wheat-based chips choose gluten-free tortilla chips if needed Contains avocado (for those with latex/avocado allergies) Contains legumes (black beans)

Crispy tortilla chips smothered in spiced ground beef and cheese make up these delicious sheet pan nachos. Save
Crispy tortilla chips smothered in spiced ground beef and cheese make up these delicious sheet pan nachos. | pumpkinvale.com

Enjoy this versatile and easy nacho recipe that’s sure to be a hit every time.

Recipe FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add extra jalapeño slices or a pinch more chili powder when seasoning the beef for added heat.

What can I substitute for ground beef?

Ground turkey or plant-based crumble work well as lighter or vegetarian alternatives without sacrificing flavor.

How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?

Use sturdy tortilla chips and spread toppings evenly. Baking quickly at high heat helps keep them crisp.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble the components separately, then combine and bake just before serving for best texture.

What drinks pair well with this dish?

A crisp lager or a zesty margarita complements the bold flavors and spices beautifully.

Are there gluten-free options for the chips?

Choose gluten-free tortilla chips to accommodate dietary needs without compromising taste.

Sheet Pan Nachos Ground Beef

A flavorful mix of crispy chips, savory beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for gatherings.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Time Needed
35 minutes
Created by Emma Wallace


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Tex-Mex

Makes 6 Serving Size

Diet Information None specified

Ingredient List

Beef Mixture

01 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
02 1 small onion, finely diced
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 1 tbsp chili powder
05 1 tsp ground cumin
06 ½ tsp smoked paprika
07 ½ tsp salt
08 ¼ tsp black pepper
09 ½ cup water

Nacho Assembly

01 10 oz sturdy tortilla chips
02 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
03 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
04 1 medium tomato, diced
05 ½ cup pickled jalapeño slices
06 ½ cup sliced black olives (optional)
07 ½ cup sour cream
08 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
09 1 medium avocado, diced (optional)
10 2 green onions, sliced

How to Make

Step 01

Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.

Step 02

Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, breaking it apart, for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Sauté Aromatics: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 04

Season and Simmer: Incorporate chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; pour in water and simmer for 3-4 minutes until most liquid evaporates. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Arrange Chips: Evenly spread tortilla chips across the prepared sheet pan.

Step 06

Layer Toppings: Distribute the seasoned beef evenly over chips, then sprinkle black beans followed by shredded cheese.

Step 07

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.

Step 08

Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from oven and immediately scatter diced tomato, pickled jalapeños, olives, green onions, cilantro, and diced avocado if desired.

Step 09

Serve with Sour Cream: Drizzle sour cream on top or provide it on the side.

Step 10

Serve Hot: Present directly from the pan while hot.

Equipment Needed

  • Large sheet pan
  • Skillet
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and ask a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream; verify labels for additives.
  • Contains gluten if wheat-based chips are used—opt for gluten-free chips if necessary.
  • Contains avocado, which may trigger latex/avocado allergies.
  • Contains legumes due to black beans.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

Details shown are for general guidance and aren't a medical substitute.
  • Caloric Content: 465
  • Fats: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 22 g