Ingredients

For the Seasoned Ground Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef (70/30 ratio works best)

• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow or red onion

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning

• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

• 3/4 cup water

• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans (optional)

For the Nachos:

• 14 ounces sturdy restaurant-style corn tortilla chips

• 2-4 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)

• 15-ounce jar nacho cheese sauce (optional)

• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

For Toppings:

• 2-3 Roma tomatoes, diced

• 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red and green)

• 1 jalapeño pepper, sliced

• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion

• 1/3 cup sliced black olives

• 2-3 green onions, sliced

• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

• Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Ground Beef:

1. Preheat oven to 350-400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft and translucent.

3. Add ground beef and cook for 8-10 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until no longer pink and fully browned. Drain excess fat.

4. Add minced garlic, taco seasoning, and tomato paste, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes until liquid mostly evaporates.

5. If using refried beans, stir them in until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Nachos:

6. Arrange half of the tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

7. Distribute half of the seasoned ground beef mixture in scoops over the chips, then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.

8. Add remaining tortilla chips as a second layer, followed by remaining beef mixture and remaining cheese.

9. Top with bell peppers, jalapeño slices, red onion, and black olives before baking.

Bake and Serve:

10. Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.

11. Remove from oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

12. Serve immediately while hot with bowls of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.