Championship Nacho Platter

The first time I made these nachos for a Super Bowl party, my friend Mark stood over the platter for ten minutes straight, eating chip after chip and mumbling something about finding his life's purpose between layers of seasoned beef and cheese.

Last winter, my cousin showed up unexpectedly during a snowstorm with nothing but hunger and a six pack. I threw this together using whatever cheese I had in the fridge, and we ended up sitting on the kitchen floor eating directly from the baking sheet while catching up on three years of stories.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: The fat content here keeps everything juicy, so dont go extra lean or youll miss that mouthwatering richness
• Onion and garlic: Finely chopped so they melt into the beef rather than creating obvious chunks
• Chili powder and cumin: This ratio gives you classic Tex-Mex flavor without the heat overwhelming the cheese
• Smoked paprika: The secret ingredient that makes people ask whats different about your beef seasoning
• Tomato sauce: Just enough to bind the spices to the meat without making it soupy
• Tortilla chips: Restaurant-style thick chips work best because they hold up under the weight of toppings
• Cheddar and Monterey Jack: Cheddar brings sharp flavor while Monterey Jack melts into that gorgeous puddle you want
• Cherry tomatoes: Diced small so they burst in your mouth instead of sliding off the chips
• Jalapeños: Fresh ones add crunch, pickled ones bring tang, either way you need that kick
• Avocado: The creamy element that balances all the salty, spicy components

Instructions

Preheat and prep:

Get your oven to 400F and clear some counter space, this comes together faster than you expect

Sauté the aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, cook onions until they turn translucent, then add garlic for just 30 seconds until fragrant

Brown the beef:

Add ground beef, breaking it apart with your spoon, and cook until no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes

Season everything:

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce, then let it simmer for 2 minutes so the spices bloom

Build the first layer:

Spread half your chips on a large ovenproof platter, top with half the beef mixture, then sprinkle with half of both cheeses

Repeat and bake:

Add remaining chips, beef, and cheese, then bake for 7 to 10 minutes until cheese is melted and starting to bubble in spots

Finish with toppings:

Pile on tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, red onion, cilantro, and avocado while everything is still hot

Serve it up:

Bring the whole platter to the table with sour cream and salsa on the side and watch everyone dig in

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My sister requested these for her birthday instead of cake, and watching six adults hover around a platter with zero pretension, just reaching and laughing and arguing over who got the last loaded chip, reminded me why comfort food exists in the first place.

Making It Ahead

You can brown and season the beef up to two days in advance, just reheat it gently before assembling, but never build the full platter ahead or youll end up with sad, soggy disappointment instead of the crispy, cheesy masterpiece everyone deserves.

Cheese Choices

Ive tried countless combinations, but honestly, block cheese you grate yourself melts infinitely better than the pre-shredded stuff with anti-caking agents, and the extra five minutes of effort shows in every gooey, perfect bite.

Serving Strategy

Put out small bowls of extra toppings so people can customize their sections, because someone will inevitably insist they dont like olives until they try one covered in cheese and suddenly olives are their new favorite thing.

• Keep a baking sheet underneath any platter that might overflow, cheese drips on oven floors are no fun to clean later
• Set out a mix of mild and hot salsa so everyone can control their own spice level
• Extra lime wedges on the side add brightness that cuts through all the rich cheese and beef

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The best nachos disappear fast, so maybe double the recipe if youre feeding more than four people, or just accept that youll be making a second batch halfway through the night.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses provides a great balance of sharpness and creaminess that melts beautifully.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, adding more sliced jalapeños or drizzling with hot sauce will boost the heat level to suit your taste.

→ Is it possible to prepare this with a different protein?

Ground turkey or plant-based crumbles can be substituted to create lighter or vegetarian variations without compromising flavor.

→ How should I layer the ingredients for best results?

Start with half the tortilla chips, then spread half the beef and cheese mixture, repeat the layers, and bake. This ensures even melting and flavor distribution.

→ What toppings complement the baked layers?

Fresh toppings like cherry tomatoes, black olives, red onion, cilantro, avocado, sour cream, and salsa add refreshing textures and flavors.

→ Can this dish be gluten-free?

Yes, using gluten-free tortilla chips ensures the dish fits a gluten-free diet.