Pioneer Woman Loaded Nachos Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Loaded Nachos recipe is a cheesy and hearty appetizer, which is made with seasoned ground beef and fresh pico de gallo. It’s the perfect game night snack, ready in about 30 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Loaded Nachos Recipe Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, diced, divided
• 2 lb. ground beef
• 1/2 tsp. chili powder
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 can (14.5-oz.) pinto beans, chili beans, or ranch-style beans
• 1/2 cup hot water

For the Pico de Gallo:

• 6 Roma tomatoes, diced
• 1 jalapeño, diced finely
• 1/2 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp. salt

For Assembly:

• 1 large bag of tortilla chips
• 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 cups grated monterey jack cheese
• 1 avocado, pitted and diced
• Sour cream (optional)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Loaded Nachos

1. Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and half of the diced onion. Cook until the onion starts to soften, then add the ground beef. Cook the meat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s completely browned. Drain off the excess fat.
2. Season and Simmer: Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper to the beef, and stir to combine. Add the beans and hot water and stir again. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Make the Pico de Gallo: In a medium bowl, combine the other half of the diced onion with the diced tomato, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together and set it aside.
4. Build the Nacho Layers: On a large, oven-safe platter or baking sheet, spread out a layer of tortilla chips. Top with a layer of the beef and bean mixture, then sprinkle with most of the cheddar cheese. Add another layer of chips, another layer of the beef mixture, and all of the Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Add the Final Layer: Add a final small layer of chips, a small layer of the beef and beans, and then the final sprinkling of the remaining cheddar cheese.
6. Melt the Cheese: Place the platter in a 325°F oven or microwave in 45-second increments until all the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Immediately sprinkle the hot nachos with the diced avocado and a generous amount of the fresh pico de gallo. Add dollops of sour cream, if you like, and serve immediately!

Recipe Tips

• How do you prevent soggy nachos? The key is layering and serving immediately. Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up to the toppings. Assembling the nachos right before you plan to melt the cheese and serve them is the best way to ensure they stay crispy.
• Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare all the components ahead of time. The beef mixture and pico de gallo can be made up to a day in advance and stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble and heat the nachos just before serving.
• What’s the best cheese for nachos? A combination of a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack and a flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar is perfect. For the best melt, always grate your own cheese from a block.
• What’s the best way to heat the nachos? The oven method (on a sheet pan) is best for a crowd as it heats everything evenly and keeps the chips crispy. The microwave is a great, quick option for individual plates.

What To Serve With Loaded Nachos

These loaded nachos are a meal in themselves, but they are even better with extra toppings for everyone to customize their own plate:

• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Sliced black olives
• Pickled or fresh jalapeño slices
• Your favorite salsa

How To Store Loaded Nachos

Store: Loaded nachos do not store well and are best eaten immediately. The chips will become soggy in the refrigerator. If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the beef mixture and pico de gallo separately and assemble a fresh plate later.

Loaded Nachos Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~600 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Beef Hand Pies Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Grilled Beef Tenderloin Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Beef Pot Pies Recipe