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Ultimate Loaded Nacho Bar for Perfect Game Day

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Build the ultimate loaded nacho bar for game day with seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and all your favorite toppings. This interactive setup ensures every chip stays crunchy and every bite is packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 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 dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
  • 1/4 cup water or milk (to thin the beans)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 large bag (13–16 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1 large avocado, diced and tossed with lime juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

  1. Cook the Seasoned Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook 3-4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds. Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in beef broth, bring to a simmer, and cook 2-3 minutes until liquid mostly evaporates. Keep warm.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese a handful at a time, whisking until melted and smooth. Keep warm over lowest heat.
  3. Warm the Refried Beans: Empty refried beans into a small pot or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in water or milk. Heat over medium-low on stove or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through and spreadable.
  4. Prep the Toppings: Dice avocado and toss with lime juice. Chop cilantro. Slice lime into wedges. Arrange pico de gallo, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, black olives, and other toppings in small bowls.
  5. Assemble the Nacho Bar: Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips on a serving platter or sheet pan (one or two layers). Drizzle warm cheese sauce over chips, followed by spoonfuls of seasoned beef and refried beans. Arrange bowls of cold toppings around the platter. Let everyone build their own plate.

Notes

For best crunch, serve hot toppings separately or drizzle just before eating. Use sturdy, thick restaurant-style tortilla chips. Shred cheese from a block for smoother sauce. Prep beef and cheese sauce a day ahead for stress-free hosting.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, game day, loaded nachos, nacho bar, party food, Super Bowl, appetizer, ground beef, cheese sauce

Find it online: https://evabake.com/ultimate-loaded-nacho-bar-for-perfect-game-day/