Save This platter features crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned ground beef, a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, then baked until bubbly. Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, avocado, and cilantro add vibrant flavors and textures. Serve with sour cream and salsa for a perfect balance. Cooking takes just over half an hour, making it a quick and satisfying dish for game day or casual gatherings.
Variations include substituting beef with black or refried beans for vegetarians, or adding corn and peppers for extra texture. Pair with crisp beverages for an enhanced experience.
Last year, my friend Sarah showed up with a bare platter and a bag of chips, insisting we build nachos during halftime. The cheese had already cooled by the third quarter, but we didnt care—we crowded around the coffee table, taking turns scooping up the messiest bites while yelling at the television. Now I prep everything ahead so the only thing left to do is melt and pile on the good stuff while the teams warm up.
My brother once dumped all the toppings on before baking, resulting in warm tomatoes and sad, wilted cilantro. We still devoured the whole tray, but I learned that timing matters more than I thought. Now I layer strategically so everything hits the table at its absolute best.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: The fat here carries all that taco seasoning flavor into every bite
- Taco seasoning: Dont skip the water step—it lets the spices bloom and cling to the meat
- Tortilla chips: Sturdy ones only, or you will end up with broken disappointment at the bottom
- Cheddar and Monterey Jack: Cheddar brings sharpness while Jack melts into that perfect pull
- Avocado: Dice it right before serving so it stays bright and fresh
- Fresh cilantro: Toss it on last so the heat does not turn it black and sad
- Lime wedges: Squeeze them over the whole tray for that restaurant style brightness
Instructions
- Cook the beef until it browns:
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the onion until it softens, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds so it does not burn.
- Add the seasoning：
- Brown the beef for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off the excess fat, stir in the taco seasoning and water, then let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Build the base：
- Spread your chips on a large oven safe platter or baking sheet. Sprinkle half the cheese over the chips, then evenly distribute the seasoned beef on top.
- Melt it all：
- Add the remaining cheese and bake at 200°C until bubbly, about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye so the edges do not burn while the center melts.
- Pile on the fresh stuff：
- Top immediately with tomatoes, red onion, jalapeños, olives, avocado, and cilantro. Drizzle with sour cream and salsa, or serve them on the side.
Save The first time I made this for a crowd, someone accidentally knocked the platter sideways while reaching for the remote. We spent five minutes scooping up the most delicious mess from the counter, and honestly, it might have been the best part of the night.
Make It Your Way
Swap the beef for black beans or refried beans to make it vegetarian. I have added corn and bell peppers for extra crunch, and shredded lettuce works if you want something cool against the hot cheese.
Perfect Game Day Timing
Prep all the toppings in advance and keep them in separate bowls in the fridge. The beef can be cooked ahead and warmed up, so all you have to do during the game is assemble and bake.
Drink Pairings
A crisp lager cuts through the rich cheese, while a margarita brings out the Tex Mex flavors. For something lighter, sparkling water with lime works surprisingly well.
- Set out small bowls so guests can customize their spice levels
- Keep extra chips nearby—the first batch always disappears first
- Warm your serving platter if you want the cheese to stay melted longer
Save These nachos have started more conversations and saved more lackluster game days than I can count. The best moments always happen around a platter this big.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make this platter vegetarian?
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Replace the seasoned ground beef with black beans or refried beans to keep the hearty texture and flavor while making it vegetarian-friendly.
- → Can I prepare the dish ahead of time?
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You can prepare the seasoned beef and chop the fresh toppings in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving to keep the chips crisp.
- → What can I use instead of Monterey Jack cheese?
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Colby or mozzarella cheeses work well as substitutes, providing similar melting properties and flavor.
- → Are there gluten-free options for this dish?
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Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and taco seasoning to keep the platter gluten-free.
- → What drinks pair well with this platter?
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Crisp lagers, margaritas, or sparkling water with lime complement the bold flavors and balance the richness.
- → How spicy is the platter and can it be adjusted?
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The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and jalapeños. Adjust by using milder seasoning or omitting jalapeños if desired.
