Ultimate Sheet Pan Beef Nachos (with Chicken Option)

Craving a comforting, cheesy, and crunchy dish that comes together fast? These Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos are just what your table needs. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or a fun party snack, this recipe delivers everything you love about nachos—crispy tortilla chips, savory meat, melted cheese, and vibrant fresh toppings—all baked on a single pan for easy preparation and cleanup.

The original recipe called for bacon, but in this version, we’ve swapped it out for ground beef. Prefer poultry? No problem—there’s an option to use shredded chicken instead. These nachos are fully customizable, so feel free to get creative with toppings and extras.

No frying, no complicated techniques—just layers of flavor made simple. Grab a sheet pan, fire up the oven, and let’s build the ultimate nacho experience!

Ingredients and Preparation

Protein (Choose One):

• For beef version:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80–85% lean)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice mix)
• For chicken version:
  • 3 to 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Nacho Base:

• 12 oz sturdy tortilla chips (restaurant-style or thick corn chips)

Toppings (Before Baking):

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Fresh Toppings (After Baking):

• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation Notes:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Line a standard sheet pan (13×18 inches) with foil or parchment paper
• Lightly grease the pan with nonstick spray or a touch of oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• For beef:
  • Add ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned—about 5–7 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  • Drain excess grease if needed.
  • Stir in taco seasoning along with 2–3 tablespoons of water, simmer for 2 minutes, then set aside.
• For chicken:
  • In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with olive oil and taco seasoning until fully coated.
  • Warm in a skillet for a minute or two if desired, just to enhance flavor.

2. Layer the Nachos

• Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer across the prepared baking sheet.
• Spoon the cooked beef or seasoned chicken evenly across the chips.
• Scatter black beans and corn kernels evenly over the meat layer.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese generously over everything.

3. Bake Until Cheese is Melted

• Place the sheet pan into the preheated oven.
• Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
• Keep an eye on the edges to prevent burning.

4. Add Fresh Toppings

• Once the nachos are out of the oven, sprinkle with diced tomato and red onion.
• Add sliced jalapeños (optional, depending on spice preference).
• Dot the top with sour cream.
• Finish with a handful of chopped fresh cilantro.

5. Serve Immediately

• Serve straight from the sheet pan for casual fun.
• For parties or sharing, you can divide into smaller portions on plates or bowls.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Use sturdy chips: Not all tortilla chips are created equal. Use thick-cut chips that can hold toppings without turning soggy.
• Drain ingredients well: Beans and corn should be well-drained to avoid watery nachos.
• Distribute evenly: Don’t pile toppings in one area—spread them evenly across the pan to make sure each chip gets some love.
• Cheese tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than bagged cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
• Baking time: Watch carefully as oven times can vary. You want gooey cheese, not burned chips.
• Spice control: You can skip jalapeños for a mild version, or add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.
• Make ahead: Cook the meat a day in advance to save time—just reheat it before assembling.

Print

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling enough to be served as a meal, but also perfect as a shareable snack. You can dress it up or keep it simple, depending on the occasion.

Great Add-Ons for the Table:

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado balances the salty chips and spicy jalapeño.
• Fresh lime wedges: Squeeze over the top for brightness.
• Salsa: Try classic red salsa or salsa verde for extra flavor.
• Pickled red onions: Add tang and color.
• Sliced black olives: A favorite nacho topping for many.

Pair With:

• Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice for a full dinner spread.
• Simple side salad with lime vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Mexican street corn or elote for a fun, flavorful combo.

For Drinks:

• Iced tea or sparkling water for family-friendly meals
• Agua fresca or fruit smoothies for something refreshing
• Beer, sangria, or margaritas for adults

Kid-Friendly Option:

• Serve with mild cheese only and omit spicy toppings.
• Let kids “build their own nachos” with small bowls of toppings.
• Use fun, colorful plates or trays to make meal time exciting.

Final Thought

These Ultimate Sheet Pan Nachos are a no-fail way to impress at any gathering or spice up your weeknight dinner routine. They’re easy to prepare, full of customizable flavors, and downright irresistible straight from the oven. The versatility of this recipe allows you to make it your own—whether you prefer beef or chicken, bold spices or mild flavors, a veggie-packed version or extra cheesy indulgence.

What makes this recipe a keeper is how adaptable it is. Use it as a base to experiment: swap black beans for pinto, add avocado slices after baking, or drizzle on a homemade chipotle crema. It’s the kind of recipe that can evolve with your taste or the season.

Once you try making nachos this way, you might never go back to microwaving a plate of chips again. The oven-baked technique ensures even heat, perfect cheese melt, and a crisp finish that you and your guests will appreciate every time.

So go ahead—grab that sheet pan and start layering. Your new favorite nachos await.