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Pioneer Woman Loaded Nachos

Pioneer Woman Loaded Nachos - recipe card

A generous sheet pan loaded with crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a blanket of melted cheese, then finished with fresh pico de gallo, cool sour cream, and creamy guacamole. Every layer is built for maximum flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 (8 oz) can refried beans
  • 1 (12 oz) bag tortilla chips (restaurant-style preferred)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (about 2 cups)
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded (about 1 cup)
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo (or diced fresh tomatoes and onions)
  • 1/4 cup pickled jalapeño slices
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 large avocado, peeled and diced (or prepared guacamole)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the pan, creating a single, slightly overlapping layer to ensure every chip gets topped and crisped.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, spreading it into an even layer to maximize browning.

Notes

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that toppings like sour cream and avocado may weep, and chips will soften. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet (discard any soggy toppings) and warm in a 350°F oven for 5–7 minutes until hot and slightly crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want any texture. For a make-ahead option, cook and season the beef mixture up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate; assemble just before baking.

Nutrition

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