Family Nachos Tray Bake (Printable Version)

Crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned beef, melty cheese, peppers, beans, and fresh toppings. Perfect for sharing.

# What You Need:

→ For the Beef

01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef
02 - 1 small onion, finely diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 tsp ground cumin
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
07 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
11 - 1/4 cup water

→ For Assembly

12 - 9 oz tortilla chips
13 - 7 oz shredded cheddar cheese
14 - 3.5 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese
15 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
16 - 1 small can (7 oz) sweetcorn, drained
17 - 1 small can (14 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
18 - 2 spring onions, sliced
19 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

→ For Serving

20 - 3.5 oz sour cream
21 - 3.5 oz guacamole
22 - 3.5 oz tomato salsa
23 - Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F.
02 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned (about 5 minutes).
03 - Add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
05 - Add tomato paste and water. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
06 - On a large baking tray, spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer.
07 - Spoon half of the beef mixture over the chips, then sprinkle with half each of the cheeses, bell pepper, corn, beans, and spring onions.
08 - Repeat with the remaining chips and toppings, finishing with cheese and jalapeño slices if using.
09 - Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
10 - Remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve immediately with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything bakes together on one tray, so you spend more time with people and less time at the stove
  • The layered approach means every chip gets its fair share of toppings, not just the ones on top
  • Leftovers (if they exist) actually reheat beautifully the next day
02 -
  • Never overload a single layer with chips—you want space between them so the heat can circulate and crisp everything up
  • Let the beef mixture cool slightly before layering or your chips will start steaming and get soggy faster
  • Whatever you do, serve immediately—nachos wait for no one, and that contrast between hot cheese and cool toppings is the whole point
03 -
  • Sprinkle a handful of cheese directly on the baking sheet before adding chips—creates this crispy cheese lace at the edges that people fight over
  • Toss your chips with a teaspoon of oil before layering if they've been sitting open for a day—revives the crunch

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