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Why You’ll Love These Doritos Nachos with Ground Beef
If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing snack or dinner, these Doritos nachos with ground beef are perfect! They combine crunchy, cheesy Doritos with savory seasoned beef and gooey melted cheese for a dish that’s full of flavor and fun. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or hosting a game day gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Doritos: Choose your favorite flavor—Nacho Cheese is classic, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Sweet Chili work great too.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is best, but any kind will do. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Taco Seasoning: Use a store-bought packet or make your own for extra flavor.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend are also delicious.
- Toppings: Go wild! Popular options include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped green onions, black olives, avocado, sour cream, and salsa.
How to Make Doritos Nachos with Ground Beef
- Brown the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef. Add water as directed on the seasoning packet (usually about 1/4 to 1/2 cup). Stir well and let simmer for a few minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Layer the Nachos: Spread a layer of Doritos chips evenly across the baking sheet. Top with the seasoned beef and sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle on your favorite toppings—think tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, and more.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy right away while the cheese is gooey and the chips are still crisp!
Tips for Perfect Doritos Nachos
- Don’t Overload: Too many toppings can make the chips soggy. Keep layers even for best results.
- Cheese Matters: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Try mixing cheeses for extra flavor.
- Customize Your Layers: For extra cheesy nachos, add a second layer of chips, beef, and cheese before baking.
- Add Beans: For a heartier dish, sprinkle some black beans or refried beans between layers.
- Make Ahead: Prep the seasoned beef in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
Variations & Substitutions
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles instead of beef.
- Doritos Flavors: Try Spicy Nacho, Cool Ranch, or any limited-edition variety for a fun twist.
- Add Veggies: Dice up bell peppers, onions, or corn and layer them in before baking.
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based cheese to make this recipe dairy-free.
Topping Ideas
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for squeezing
Serving Suggestions
These Doritos nachos are best served straight from the oven while they’re still hot and cheesy. They’re perfect for sharing at parties, movie nights, or casual dinners. Pair them with a big bowl of salsa or guacamole on the side for dipping.
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
- Storage: Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that chips may soften as they sit.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat nachos in a toaster oven or regular oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This helps crisp up the chips again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chips?
Absolutely! While Doritos add extra flavor, you can use regular tortilla chips if you prefer.
What’s the best way to keep nachos from getting soggy?
Bake just until the cheese melts and serve immediately. Avoid adding wet toppings (like salsa or sour cream) until just before eating.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for a vegetarian version.
How do I make this spicy?
Add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture or use spicy Doritos for an extra kick!
Can I double this recipe?
Easily! Just use a larger baking sheet or make two batches to serve a bigger crowd.
The Bottom Line
Making nachos with Doritos and ground beef is one of the easiest—and tastiest—ways to whip up a satisfying snack or meal that everyone will love. With just a few ingredients and endless topping possibilities, you can customize this dish to suit your tastes and occasion. Give it a try at your next get-together or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and delicious!