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Best Loaded Nacho Tailgate Board with Ground Beef Recipe

loaded nacho tailgate board - featured image

This loaded nacho tailgate board features seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings on a bed of crispy tortilla chips. It’s a quick and easy crowd-pleaser perfect for game day or any casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using lean beef)
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 large bag (1316 ounces) tortilla chips (sturdy, restaurant-style)
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar and Monterey Jack mix)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles, drained
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup guacamole
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. Cook the ground beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil if using lean beef. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until no longer pink, letting it sear for flavor.
  3. Add aromatics: Push beef to one side, add diced onion, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir everything together.
  4. Season the beef: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper over the beef. Stir to coat and cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
  5. Add liquid: Stir in beef broth and tomato paste, scraping up browned bits. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until liquid reduces and beef is coated in a rich sauce. Remove from heat.
  6. Assemble first layer: Spread half the tortilla chips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, slightly overlapping.
  7. Add beef and beans: Spoon half the seasoned beef over the chips. Sprinkle half the black beans and half the diced green chiles over the beef.
  8. Add cheese: Sprinkle half the shredded cheese over everything, getting it into the nooks and crannies.
  9. Repeat layers: Add remaining chips, then remaining beef, beans, and green chiles. Finish with remaining cheese.
  10. Bake: Place sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and chip edges are lightly golden.
  11. Add fresh toppings: Remove from oven. Dollop sour cream and guacamole across the board. Sprinkle pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, black olives, and cilantro over the top. Squeeze lime wedges over everything.
  12. Serve immediately: Place the board in the center of the table and let everyone dig in.

Notes

For best results, use a sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chip to prevent breakage. Shredding cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese ensures smoother melting. Drain and rinse black beans thoroughly to avoid soggy chips. Serve immediately for crispiest chips.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded nachos, tailgate board, ground beef nachos, game day appetizer, easy nacho recipe