How do you keep nachos crispy on a sheet pan?

The key to crispy sheet pan beef nachos is smart layering. Start with sturdy tortilla chips and avoid adding wet toppings before baking. Bake the nachos with just the beef, cheese, and beans, then add fresh items like salsa, sour cream, avocado, or tomatoes after they come out of the oven. This way, your easy sheet pan nachos stay crunchy and flavorful from the first bite to the last.

What cheese melts best for nachos?

For gooey, delicious beef nachos , use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged. Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classics for their sharpness and creamy texture. For extra stretch, mozzarella can be added to the mix. If you’re aiming for bold flavor, pepper jack adds spice. Blending two or three types gives your sheet pan nachos the perfect balance of flavor and melt.

Are beef nachos gluten-free?

Beef nachos can be gluten-free as long as you choose the right chips. Many tortilla chips are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to avoid cross-contamination. All other core ingredients—ground beef, cheese, vegetables, beans—are naturally gluten-free. With a few mindful swaps, you can enjoy easy sheet pan nachos that fit gluten-free diets without sacrificing flavor.

Sheet Pan Beef Nachos – Easy & Flavor-Packed Recipe in 25 Minutes

Name: Select Sheet Pan Beef Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican Inspired
Ingredients: 1 (12 oz) bag sturdy tortilla chips; 1 lb ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend); 1/2 cup black beans (optional); 1/2 cup corn (optional); 1/2 cup diced bell peppers; 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1 avocado, sliced or cubed; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/2 cup sour cream, for serving; Lime wedges, for garnish

Description

These Sheet Pan Beef Nachos are a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed crowd-pleaser. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and colorful toppings, they bake in under 20 minutes. Perfect for game days, parties, or a quick and easy family dinner, this recipe combines convenience with bold taste.

Ingredients

1 (12 oz) bag sturdy tortilla chips
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup black beans (optional)
1/2 cup corn (optional)
1/2 cup diced bell peppers
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 avocado, sliced or cubed
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup sour cream, for serving
Lime wedges, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and set aside.
Prepare the Sheet Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly over the pan.
Layer the Nachos: Top the chips with half of the seasoned ground beef, half of the shredded cheese, and optional extras like black beans, corn, and bell peppers. Add a second layer of chips and repeat with remaining beef and cheese.
Bake Until Melty: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Add Fresh Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately with sour cream on the side.

Notes

For best results, use thick tortilla chips that can hold plenty of toppings without breaking. Add fresh toppings only after baking to keep the chips crisp. You can prep the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time for a quick assembly on busy nights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: Mexican Inspired