Oh, nachos! Is there anything better for a casual get-together? And when you’re talking about the ultimate crowd-pleaser, my Beef Nachos Supreme recipe is an absolute winner. Seriously, it’s the kind of dish that just screams fun and flavor. I still remember the first time I whipped up a big batch for my family after a long day at the beach. We were all sandy and sun-kissed, and I just wanted something quick and oh-so-satisfying. Layering those crispy chips with the zesty beef, creamy beans, and that gooey cheese sauce felt like painting with food, you know? Seeing everyone dig in, laughing and sharing stories – that’s what it’s all about! As a Culinary Storyteller and Recipe Heritage Specialist, I’ve learned that the best meals create the best memories, and these nachos are definitely one of those dishes that brings people together, sparking joy and making every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, this is more than just a recipe; it’s a guaranteed good time.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Nachos Supreme Recipe
Get ready to be obsessed! This Beef Nachos Supreme recipe is:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it comes together so fast, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it every week.
- A Total Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just a Tuesday, everyone goes wild for these.
- Incredibly Versatile: Load ’em up with your favorite toppings for a dish that’s uniquely yours.
- Bursting with Flavor: That seasoned beef, creamy beans, and gooey cheese sauce? Pure dynamite!
Gather Your Ingredients for Beef Nachos Supreme
Alright, let’s get our mise en place ready! Having all your ingredients prepped makes whipping up this amazing Beef Nachos Supreme a total breeze. You’ll want to have everything ready to go so you can just assemble and bake. It’s pretty straightforward, trust me!
For the Savory Beef Topping:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Glorious Nachos:
- 2 bags tortilla chips (grab your favorite kind!)
- 1 cup canned refried beans
- 3/4 cup tomatoes, diced
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, thinly sliced
For the Dreamy Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 12 ounces evaporated milk (that’s usually one can!)
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Essential Equipment for Making Beef Nachos Supreme
Okay, before we dive into the nacho-making madness, let’s talk tools! Having the right gear makes all the difference, trust me. You’ll want to grab a nice large skillet for browning that yummy ground beef, and a saucepan for getting our cheesy sauce just perfect. Oh, and definitely get a couple of baking sheets ready – we need plenty of space to spread out all those glorious chips! A microwave is handy for warming up the beans super quick, too. That’s really it – simple tools for a truly epic dish!
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Beef Nachos Supreme
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these amazing Beef Nachos Supreme is easier than you think, and honestly, the payoff is SO worth it. We’re going to start by getting that beef topping going, then whip up a dreamy cheese sauce, and finally, we’ll assemble these bad boys for a quick bake. So, grab your apron, and let’s do this!
Preparing the Savory Beef Topping
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Now, grab your large skillet. Toss in the ground beef and chopped white onion and let it brown up nicely over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as you go. This should take about 6 minutes. Once it’s all cooked, carefully drain off any excess grease – nobody wants greasy nachos! Stir in all those fantastic spices: chili powder, cumin, kosher salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour in about 1/4 cup of water. Let it all simmer together for about 5 minutes, or until that water totally evaporates and the beef looks rich and flavorful. This little simmer step really helps all those flavors meld together beautifully!
Crafting the Creamy Nacho Cheese Sauce
While your beef is doing its thing, let’s make the magic happen with the cheese sauce. Grab a saucepan and heat up your evaporated milk over medium heat. You just want it to come to a gentle simmer, not a rolling boil. While that’s warming, take your shredded cheddar cheese and toss it with that cornstarch in a small bowl. Now, this is important: take the saucepan off the heat *before* you add the cheese mixture. Add the cheese and cornstarch combo, about a cup at a time, stirring constantly until it’s all beautifully melted and smooth. It’s like a cheesy hug for your nachos! Finally, stir in the hot sauce, chili powder, and that pinch of salt. Give it a good whisk until everything is perfectly combined and gloriously creamy.
Assembling and Baking Your Beef Nachos Supreme
Okay, time for the grand finale – assembly! First, quickly warm up your refried beans in the microwave; just about 2 minutes will do, give ’em a stir about halfway through. Now, line two big baking sheets with foil because, trust me, cheesy nachos make for sticky situations! Spread your tortilla chips evenly onto the foil-lined sheets. Dollop spoonfuls of the warm refried beans over the chips, then generously spoon that delicious seasoned beef on top. Finally, drizzle that amazing nacho cheese sauce all over everything. Pop those trays into your preheated oven for 5 to 10 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and everything is heated through. Once they’re out, quickly garnish with your diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and dollops of cool sour cream. Dig in right away!
Tips for the Ultimate Beef Nachos Supreme Experience
You’ve got the recipe, now let’s make these nachos absolutely legendary! A few little tricks up my sleeve can take your Beef Nachos Supreme from great to absolutely unforgettable. First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients – good ground beef makes a difference, and using fresh onions and garlic powder for the beef is key!
When it comes to chips, I love a sturdy tortilla chip that can stand up to all those toppings without getting soggy too fast. If you’re feeling adventurous, maybe even try a mix of plain and maybe a few seasoned ones for an extra kick. And listen, don’t be afraid to tweak those spices! If you love things a little spicier, add more chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne to the beef. And toppings? Oh, the possibilities! Fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, a squeeze of lime… the more, the merrier, honestly. For more deliciousness inspired by heritage recipes, check out my recipe collection!
Serving Suggestions for Your Beef Nachos Supreme
So, you’ve got this incredible platter of Beef Nachos Supreme ready to go – amazing! But sometimes, you want to make it a full-on feast, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. These nachos are fantastic on their own of course, but serving them with a few complementary sides really takes things to the next level. A simple, crisp green salad with a zesty lime dressing is always a winner – it cuts through all that richness perfectly. And if you’re aiming for a heartier meal, consider pairing them with some easy Mexican rice or a scoop of creamy guacamole. It’s the perfect way to round out your meal, whether it’s a casual dinner or a party spread!
Storing and Reheating Leftover Beef Nachos Supreme
Okay, so you actually have leftovers? High five! It happens, though these Beef Nachos Supreme are so good they usually disappear. If you do wind up with some, storing them is simple. Let them cool completely first. Then, store any leftover nacho components (beef, cheese sauce) separately in airtight containers in the fridge. You’ll want to keep the chips separate, too, maybe in a sealed bag. Reheating is key to getting them back to their glorious crispy selves! Spread the chips on a baking sheet, spoon over the beef and then the cheese sauce, and pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until everything is hot and melty. That way, you get that satisfying crunch back!
Frequently Asked Questions About Beef Nachos Supreme
Got questions about whipping up the best Beef Nachos Supreme? I’ve got answers! Making these nachos is pretty straightforward, but a few tips can really elevate your game.
Can I make the beef topping for Beef Nachos Supreme in advance?
Oh, absolutely! You can totally make the seasoned beef topping a day or two ahead of time. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It reheats beautifully right in the skillet or microwave!
What are some good substitutions for refried beans in Beef Nachos Supreme?
If refried beans aren’t your jam, no worries! You could easily use black beans (whole or mashed), pinto beans, or even a spicy chili con carne as a base. Just make sure they’re heated through before layering!
How to make Beef Nachos Supreme healthier?
Want to lighten things up a bit? Easy peasy! Opt for baked tortilla chips instead of fried ones. Also, load up on fresh veggies like extra tomatoes, bell peppers, or even some corn. You could even swap some of the cheese sauce for a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lime juice. For more healthy swaps and ideas, check out my journey!
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Just a heads-up, the exact nutritional info for these amazing Beef Nachos Supreme can wiggle around a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how much you load onto your chips! But, as a general ballpark for about 6 servings, you’re looking at roughly 500-600 calories per serving, with around 30-40g of fat, 25-35g of protein, and 30-40g of carbohydrates. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Share Your Beef Nachos Supreme Creations!
Okay, now that you’ve made your spectacular Beef Nachos Supreme, I absolutely NEED to hear about it! Seriously, did you go wild with the toppings? Did your family devour them in minutes? Please, leave a comment below and tell me everything! You can even rate the recipe if you’re feeling generous. And if you snap some photos, tag me on social media – I live for seeing your nacho masterpieces! It just makes my heart happy to know you’re all enjoying these recipes as much as I do. For any other questions or even just to say hi, you can always reach me through my contact page!
Beef Nachos Supreme
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350F degrees.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onion until the beef is cooked through, about 6 minutes. Drain off excess oil. Stir in the salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes or until water has evaporated.
- While the beef is cooking, heat the refried beans in the microwave for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Line two baking sheets with foil. Spread the tortilla chips out on the foil. Top with the beans, beef, and queso. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Garnish with tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream.
- For the cheese sauce: Heat evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it simmers. While the milk is warming, combine cheese and cornstarch. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheese 1 cup at a time until all the cheese is incorporated and melted into the sauce. Stir in the hot sauce, chili powder, and salt.
Notes
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Gluten-Free Culinary Storyteller & Recipe Heritage Specialist
Getting diagnosed with non-celiac gluten sensitivity in my late twenties felt like losing my Italian identity. Growing up in nonna’s Brooklyn kitchen, learning traditional techniques that suddenly became off-limits—I decided to fight for those family food traditions instead of giving up.
With my food journalism background and European baking training, I became obsessed with recreating authentic flavors in gluten-free formats. I’ve adapted 400+ traditional recipes from various cultures, with my gnocchi recipe winning “Recipe of the Year” from the National Gluten-Free Living Awards in 2022.
I collaborate with the Italian-American Cultural Center to document traditional family recipes and volunteer with the Westchester Celiac Support Group, teaching monthly pasta-making classes.
Food is the heart of family storytelling. No one should sacrifice their cultural heritage due to dietary restrictions.