Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g tortilla chips</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g ground beef</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 packet (30g) taco seasoning</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">300g grated cheddar cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g grated monterey jack cheese (or additional cheddar)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red bell pepper, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small red onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium tomatoes, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 large avocado, diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60g sliced black olives</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g sour cream</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Fresh cilantro, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 limes, cut into wedges</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Large rimmed baking sheet (approximately 45cm x 33cm)</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Aluminum foil or parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Large frying pan</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C. Line your large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup. This preparation step is essential as melted cheese can be challenging to clean later.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat thoroughly until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. The caramelization that occurs during browning will add deeper flavor to your nachos.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef along with 120ml of water. Stir well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the liquid has reduced and you have a thick, saucy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Arrange half of the tortilla chips in an even layer on your prepared baking sheet. Distributing them properly ensures every chip gets some toppings. Leave minimal gaps between chips while avoiding excessive overlap, which can lead to soggy chips underneath.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Sprinkle half of the seasoned beef, half of the black beans, and about one-third of each cheese over this first layer of chips. The staged layering technique ensures that every chip gets some cheese and toppings rather than having all the good bits on top.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Add the remaining tortilla chips on top, creating a second layer. Spread the remaining beef and beans over this layer, then sprinkle half of the diced bell peppers, red onions, and jalapeños across the surface.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Top everything with the remaining cheese, making sure to cover the edges as well as the center. The cheese acts as a delicious "glue" holding the nachos together when melted, while also protecting the chips underneath from becoming soggy from the toppings.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble, and the edges of some chips begin to brown slightly. Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Remove from the oven and immediately top with the remaining bell peppers, red onions, diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and jalapeños. The residual heat will slightly warm these fresh toppings while they retain their texture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Add dollops of sour cream across the nachos, scatter the diced avocado evenly, and sprinkle generously with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over individual portions. The acidity from the lime brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.</li></ol>