Chili Cheese Nachos

Introduction

Chili Cheese Nachos are a crowd-pleasing, indulgent dish that can elevate any gathering, whether it’s game day, a movie night, or a cozy family dinner. When I first made this recipe, my family immediately fell in love with the bold flavors and comforting textures. The perfect balance of crunchy tortilla chips, hearty chili, and gooey cheddar cheese made for a dish that not only satisfied our hunger but also left us craving more. The best part is how easy it is to make—just a few simple ingredients, and you have a delicious, hearty meal or snack.

This recipe is perfect for when you’re in the mood for something savory, filling, and packed with flavor. It’s ideal for parties or casual get-togethers, and I guarantee it’ll be the first dish to disappear from the table. The combination of chili, cheese, and crunchy chips is simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love Chili Cheese Nachos 🌶️🧀🍽️

If you’re a fan of cheesy, spicy comfort food, then these Chili Cheese Nachos are exactly what you’ve been looking for. They are bursting with flavor, offering a satisfying combination of salty, spicy, and cheesy notes. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

1. Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute snack or weeknight dinner.
2. Versatile: You can adjust the spice level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the chili powder, or even adding jalapeños for an extra kick.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or having a casual dinner with friends, these nachos will steal the spotlight.
4. Customizable: Feel free to add extra toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or olives for a personal twist.

With a flavorful chili base and melty cheese topping, these nachos are packed with everything you need to make your taste buds sing.

Ingredients

For this Chili Cheese Nachos recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chili:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup water

For the Nachos:

• 10 oz tortilla chips
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

These ingredients combine to create a dish that’s flavorful, hearty, and packed with all your favorite nacho elements.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break the meat apart as it cooks, stirring occasionally. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Chili Mixture

To the cooked beef, add the tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and water. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients. Allow the chili to simmer for 10 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Nachos

While the chili is simmering, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tortilla chips evenly on a baking sheet. Pour the hot chili mixture evenly over the chips, ensuring they are well-covered with the savory beef and sauce.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the chili-covered tortilla chips. The more cheese, the better!

Step 5: Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, but let the cheese turn golden and gooey for that perfect nacho topping.

Step 6: Serve

Once the cheese has melted and the nachos are golden and bubbly, remove them from the oven and serve hot. These Chili Cheese Nachos are best enjoyed immediately, while the cheese is still warm and gooey.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: 450
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 700mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 25g

These nutrition facts are based on a standard serving size. The exact values may vary depending on the specific brands and amounts of ingredients used.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This recipe is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

How to Serve

Chili Cheese Nachos can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas:

• As a Snack: Perfect for game days or movie nights.
• As a Main Dish: Add some extra protein like chicken or beans to turn these nachos into a complete meal.
• Toppings: Serve with sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, olives, or sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
• Side Dish: These nachos work great alongside tacos or burritos, adding an extra layer of flavor to any Mexican-inspired meal.

Additional Tips

1. Use Tortilla Chips with a Strong Crunch: Choose thick, sturdy chips that can handle the weight of the chili and cheese without breaking.
2. Double the Recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, it’s easy to double the recipe to make a larger batch of nachos.
3. Add Spice: For extra heat, add some sliced jalapeños to the chili mixture or sprinkle on top of the nachos before baking.
4. Try Different Cheeses: While cheddar cheese is classic, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of cheddar and pepper jack for a spicier kick.
5. Make it Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for black beans or lentils for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chili mixture in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, just heat the chili, layer the chips, and top with cheese before baking.
2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter alternative to beef without compromising flavor.
3. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
4. Can I freeze the chili mixture?
   Yes, you can freeze the chili mixture for up to 3 months. When ready to use, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
5. Can I use homemade tortilla chips?
   Definitely! Homemade tortilla chips will work great in this recipe. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to support the chili and cheese.
6. What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
   You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar in a pinch.
7. Can I use different cheese?
   Of course! Feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a spicy pepper jack for an extra kick.
8. How can I make these nachos spicier?
   Add more chili powder, jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the chili mixture to turn up the heat.
9. Can I serve this as a dip?
   Yes, you can layer the chili mixture and cheese in a baking dish and serve it as a dip with tortilla chips on the side.
10. Can I add veggies to the chili mixture?
    Sure! You can add diced bell peppers, onions, or even corn to the chili for extra flavor and texture.

---

With this simple yet mouthwatering recipe, your Chili Cheese Nachos will quickly become a go-to favorite. The perfect balance of spicy, cheesy, and crispy makes these nachos a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will enjoy!

Print