Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos with Jalapeños are the perfect solution when you need to feed a hungry crowd during the big game. These nachos strike the perfect balance between crispy and gooey, with layers of tortilla chips, seasoned meat, melty cheese, and fresh toppings that will have everyone coming back for more. As far as Superbowl party food ideas go, this dish is a guaranteed touchdown that combines ease of preparation with maximum flavor impact.
Nutritional Benefits
Before diving into this delicious recipe, let’s take a look at what you’re getting nutrition-wise. While nachos may not be the healthiest option, this version incorporates protein, vegetables, and can be customized to fit various dietary needs.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
Ingredients & Substitutions
Creating the perfect nachos requires the right balance of ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and some possible substitutions to accommodate different tastes or dietary restrictions:
| Ingredient | Role | Possible Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bag (13 oz) tortilla chips | Base | Multigrain chips, corn chips, pita chips |
| 1 lb ground beef | Protein | Ground turkey, plant-based meat, shredded chicken |
| 1 packet taco seasoning | Flavor | Homemade taco seasoning, fajita seasoning |
| 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend | Topping | Cheddar, Monterey Jack, dairy-free cheese |
| 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained | Protein/Fiber | Pinto beans, refried beans |
| 1 cup diced tomatoes | Topping | Cherry tomatoes, pico de gallo |
| 2-3 jalapeños, sliced | Heat/Flavor | Serrano peppers, pickled jalapeños, bell peppers (milder) |
| 1 avocado, diced | Topping | Guacamole, sliced avocado |
| 1/2 cup chopped cilantro | Garnish | Parsley, green onions |
| 1/4 cup sour cream | Topping | Greek yogurt, crema |
| 1 small red onion, diced | Topping | Green onions, white onion, pickled red onions |
Equipment Needed
To make these Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos with Jalapeños, you’ll need:
– Large rimmed baking sheet (18″ x 13″)
– Aluminum foil or parchment paper
– Large skillet
– Cutting board and knife
– Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Mixing spoon
– Can opener
– Serving spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos with Jalapeños for your Superbowl party food ideas collection:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easier cleanup.
2. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water to the skillet. Stir well and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the meat is coated with seasoning.
4. Arrange the tortilla chips in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they overlap slightly but try to avoid large mounds of chips.
5. Distribute the seasoned ground beef evenly over the chips, followed by the drained black beans.
6. Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the entire sheet, making sure to cover as much of the chips as possible.
7. Add the jalapeño slices to your liking. For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes first.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and beginning to bubble.
9. Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cilantro, and dollops of sour cream.
10. Serve immediately while still warm and the chips are crispy.
These nachos are perfect for a crowd and can be customized based on your guests’ preferences. For a truly festive gameday spread, arrange your Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos with Jalapeños alongside other finger foods and dips.
Troubleshooting & Pro Tips
– Soggy chips? Layer some chips, then some toppings, then more chips and more toppings. This ensures every chip gets some love and prevents sogginess.
– Even distribution: Don’t pile all the toppings in the center. Spread them evenly across the entire sheet for the perfect bite every time.
– Heat management: If serving to guests with varying spice preferences, place jalapeños on only half of the nachos or serve them on the side.
– Cheese technique: For the meltiest results, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
– Serving solution: Keep the nachos on the warm baking sheet during serving to help maintain temperature longer.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep components ahead of time:
– Brown and season the meat up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate.
– Chop all vegetables the day before and store in separate containers in the refrigerator.
– For leftovers (if you have any!), store components separately. Reheat chips in the oven for 5 minutes, then assemble with reheated meat and fresh toppings.
– Avoid microwaving assembled nachos as they’ll become soggy.
– For make-ahead nachos, layer chips, meat, beans, and cheese on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake when ready and add fresh toppings after cooking.
Conclusion
These Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos with Jalapeños are more than just a dish—they’re an experience that brings people together. The combination of crunchy chips, savory meat, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings makes this a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any gathering, but especially for Superbowl party food ideas. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or feeding a hungry football-watching crowd, this easy-to-customize recipe is sure to score points with your guests.
FAQ
Can I make these nachos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat entirely or substitute with an additional can of beans, plant-based meat alternatives, or even roasted vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes.
How do I keep the chips from getting soggy?
Bake the chips with just the meat, beans, and cheese first. Add the fresh toppings like tomatoes, avocado, and sour cream only after baking.
Can I prepare these in advance for a party?
You can prep all ingredients ahead of time, but assembly and baking should be done right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What’s the best cheese for nachos?
A mix of cheeses works best—try combining cheddar for flavor with Monterey Jack or mozzarella for their superior melting properties.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe serves approximately 8-10 people as an appetizer. For a main dish, it would serve 4-6 people.
Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even chorizo work well. For something different, try shredded rotisserie chicken or pulled pork.
Follow me on Pinterest for more Loaded Sheet-Pan Nachos with Jalapeños. For other crowd-pleasing options perfect for game day, check out these Simple Cheesy Baked Quesadillas that make excellent Super Bowl snacks alongside your nachos spread.
