Cozy Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe for Game Day Snacking

Crispy tortilla chips nestled with melted chili cheese nachos create a mouthwatering explosion of flavor that instantly sparks joy.

Layers of gooey goodness promise pure comfort in every single bite.

Spicy ground beef mingles with sharp cheddar, creating a tantalizing combination that screams weekend indulgence.

Bold seasonings dance across each chip, promising a fiesta of textures and tastes.

Perfectly balanced between zesty and creamy, this dish brings serious excitement to casual dining.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, you’ll want to make these nachos your new go-to snack.

Dig in and let the deliciousness take center stage!

The Appeal of Chili Cheese Nachos Explained

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Dive into a delicious, hearty dish that brings everyone together with its irresistible combination of crispy chips, savory chili, and melted cheese.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in just a few easy steps, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customizable Crowd-Favorite: Easily adapt the recipe by adding your favorite toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to create a personalized nacho experience that suits every taste.
• Game Day Champion: Score big with this ultimate party snack that's guaranteed to be a hit at sports watch parties, movie nights, or casual get-togethers with friends and family.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chili Cheese Nachos

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that adds rich flavor and substance to the nachos.

• Tomato Sauce: Provides a smooth, tangy foundation for the chili mixture.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and depth to the sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Brings a complex, savory umami flavor to the chili.
• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, spicy notes to the sauce.
• Onion Powder: Introduces a subtle, aromatic onion flavor.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.
• Water: Helps to create the right consistency for the chili sauce.

• Tortilla Chips: Serves as the crispy foundation for the nachos.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, creamy flavor to the dish.

How to Assemble and Bake Perfect Chili Cheese Nachos

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for nacho magic.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it turns a rich golden brown.

Drain away any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Build the Flavor-Packed Chili Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Sugar
• Water

Let the mixture simmer and bubble for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to develop deep, irresistible flavors.

Step 4: Layer the Tortilla Chips

Spread tortilla chips across a baking sheet in a single, even layer. This creates the perfect crispy base for your nachos.

Step 5: Pour on the Chili

Drench the chips with the rich chili mixture, making sure every chip gets a generous coating of saucy goodness.

Step 6: Cheese It Up

Blanket the chili-covered chips with a snow of shredded cheddar cheese, covering every nook and cranny.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt into a gooey, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 8: Serve and Devour

Pull out your nachos and serve immediately while they’re hot and irresistibly crispy. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Expert Tips for Crispy and Cheesy Nachos Every Time

• Layer tortilla chips strategically to ensure each bite has chili and cheese coverage.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent soggy nachos and reduce excess grease.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or monterey jack for added flavor complexity.
• Add fresh toppings like diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions after baking for extra freshness and crunch.
• For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative and use low-fat cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing taste.

Variations to Spice Up Your Chili Cheese Nachos

• Vegetarian Chili Nachos: Replace ground beef with black beans or lentils, maintaining the same spice mix for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Chicken Chili Nachos: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Nachos: Use certified gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwest Nachos: Add jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include diced green chilies for extra heat and flavor.

Drinks and Snacks That Go Well with Chili Cheese Nachos

• Craft Bold Beer Pairing: Grab a cold amber ale or hoppy IPA to cut through the rich, spicy chili cheese nachos, balancing the intense flavors with crisp carbonation.
• Complement with Fresh Salsa: Whip up a zesty homemade salsa with diced tomatoes, cilantro, onions, and lime juice to add bright, tangy notes that refresh the palate between cheesy bites.
• Create Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Blend sour cream with chopped green onions and a dash of hot sauce, then drizzle over the nachos to provide a creamy, cooling counterpoint to the spicy chili.

Storing Leftover Chili Cheese Nachos Safely and Tasty

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate chips from wet chili mixture to prevent sogginess.

Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or container. Keep frozen for maximum 2 weeks. Avoid freezing nachos with cheese to maintain texture.

Spread nachos on baking sheet, cover with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 3 minutes for crispy chips.

Place nachos on microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals. Check temperature between intervals to prevent burning. Best used for quick single servings.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Simply follow the same cooking instructions and seasoning.

• How spicy are these nachos?

The recipe has a mild heat level. If you want more kick, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños before baking.

• Do I need any special type of tortilla chips?

Regular corn tortilla chips work best. Choose thick, sturdy chips that can hold the chili and cheese without getting soggy.

• Can I make the chili mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chili mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before topping the chips.

Chili Cheese Nachos Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Mexican-inspired Chili Cheese Nachos blend zesty flavors with crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and hearty chili. Comfort food perfection awaits you in this crowd-pleasing dish that promises delicious satisfaction with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Cheese and Chips:

• 1 12 cups (340 grams) cheddar cheese
• 10 ounces (283 grams) tortilla chips

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) tomato sauce
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cheese melting and chip crisping.
2. Heat a skillet over medium flame and thoroughly cook ground beef until browned, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
3. Enhance the meat with tomato sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, onion powder, salt, sugar, and water, allowing the mixture to simmer and develop robust flavors for approximately 10 minutes.
4. Create a generous layer of tortilla chips across a large baking sheet, ensuring even coverage.
5. Distribute the savory chili mixture uniformly over the chips, coating them completely with the seasoned meat sauce.
6. Generously scatter shredded cheddar cheese across the top, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
7. Transfer the loaded baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden blanket and the chips achieve a delightful crispness.
8. Remove from oven immediately and serve while piping hot for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist on the classic nachos.
• Experiment with different types of cheese like pepper jack or a Mexican blend for extra flavor complexity.
• Customize toppings by adding fresh jalapeños, diced onions, or sliced black olives before baking for added texture and taste.
• For a gluten-free version, ensure you’re using gluten-free tortilla chips and check sauce ingredients carefully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 691 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 2900 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg