Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
6–8 slices thick-cut bacon
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite variety)
1 bag sturdy tortilla chips (restaurant-style)
3–4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
1/2 cup diced onion (yellow or white)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Shredded lettuce, for topping
Diced tomatoes, for topping
Sliced dill pickles, for topping
Thinly sliced red onion, for topping
Sliced jalapeños (optional)
Sour cream or ranch dressing, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, then crumble and set aside.
2. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of bacon grease from the skillet. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Ensure it is fully cooked through.
4. Drain excess grease, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add BBQ sauce and simmer for a few minutes until flavors meld.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread tortilla chips in an even layer on a large baking sheet.
6. Spoon the BBQ beef mixture evenly over the chips.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the beef and chips.
8. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Remove from oven and top immediately with crumbled bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and red onions.
10. Serve hot with optional toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or ranch.
Notes
For a smoky twist, assemble the nachos in a cast-iron skillet and heat them on a grill with the lid closed. Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Mix up the cheese varieties or add a homemade cheese sauce for extra richness. To prevent sogginess, store leftover beef and toppings separately and reassemble fresh portions when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg