Welcome to the Ultimate Nacho Platter recipe! It's the perfect party starter or casual dinner option, loaded with layers of melted cheese, seasoned beef or beans, and a variety of toppings that will keep everyone coming back for more.
The base of this recipe is a crunchy layer of tortilla chips, which provides the perfect foundation for all those delicious toppings. We use a mix of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese for a rich, creamy melt. For a bit of spice, jalapeños are added, but adjust to your taste preference. You can choose between ground beef or black beans as the protein, seasoned with a packet of taco seasoning for a burst of flavor. The finishing touches include guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for dipping, while cilantro, diced tomatoes, black olives, and green onions add fresh, vibrant notes.
Pair this nacho platter with a refreshing margarita or iced tea for a complete fiesta feel. You could also serve it alongside a light corn salad or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness. If it's a movie night, keep it casual with some popcorn and candies on the side for a sweet contrast.
First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything melts perfectly once it's all assembled. If you're using ground beef, start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until it's browned, then stir in the taco seasoning to coat the meat evenly. This should only take a couple of minutes. If you're going the vegetarian route with black beans, just skip this step entirely.
Next, grab a large baking sheet and spread out half of the tortilla chips. This is the start of your first layer. Sprinkle half of your cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chips. Follow this with half of the seasoned beef or beans, jalapeños, tomatoes, black olives, and green onions. This layering technique ensures that every bite is loaded with flavor!
Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients to create a second layer. This is what makes the nachos truly ultimate—layers upon layers of deliciousness. Once everything is stacked up, pop the tray into your preheated oven. Let it bake for about 10-15 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
When you pull it out, sprinkle some fresh cilantro over the top to add a pop of color and flavor. Serve the nachos hot, with guacamole, sour cream, and salsa on the side for dipping.