Description
These Loaded and Baked Chili Cheese Nachos are a perfect crowd-pleaser piled high with savory chili, melted queso cheese sauce, and fresh toppings. Ideal for dinner, snacks, or game day, they are easy to make and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 pound ground beef (93/7 lean)
- 2 cans hot dog chili sauce (e.g., Steve’s & Ed’s)
- 1 can chili beans (Bush’s Kidney Chili Beans)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
For the Nachos
- 1 bag corn tortilla chips
- Prepared chili (from above)
- 1 cup queso cheese sauce (e.g., Pace Queso)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup red onion, diced bite-sized
- 1 jalapeno, sliced thinly
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Stir frequently and cook until browned, about 10 minutes. If excess grease appears, strain it off before proceeding.
- Prepare the Chili: Add the hot dog chili sauce, chili beans, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to the browned beef. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low and allow the chili to simmer, stirring frequently, for 10 to 15 minutes to blend flavors.
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Nachos: Scatter half of the corn tortilla chips evenly on the baking sheet. Spoon half the chili over the chips, then drizzle half of the queso cheese sauce. Repeat the layering with the remaining chips, chili, and cheese sauce.
- Bake the Nachos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes until everything is heated through and the cheese sauce is melted.
- Add Toppings and Serve: Remove nachos from oven and top with sour cream, diced red onion, and sliced jalapenos. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and texture.
Notes
- For game day convenience, set up a chili cheese nacho bar: keep the chili warm in a slow cooker and cheese sauce in a separate small slow cooker on low or warm settings.
- Offer tortilla chips, sour cream, diced red onion, and sliced jalapenos in separate bowls for guests to customize their nachos.
- Using lean ground beef (93/7) reduces grease and enhances flavor.
- Leftover chili can be refrigerated and used for other recipes or snacks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
