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Creamy Loaded Nachos Recipe with Spicy Queso Sauce

creamy loaded nachos - featured image

A platter of crunchy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese, savory toppings, and a rich, spicy queso sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bag of tortilla chips
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup cooked and seasoned ground beef
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk, warm
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeños
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.
  3. Gradually add the warm milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the diced pickled jalapeños, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust spice levels as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
  6. Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by the cooked ground beef, black beans, black olives, and diced tomatoes.
  7. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Remove the nachos from the oven and drizzle the spicy queso sauce generously over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of green onions and fresh cilantro.
  9. Serve immediately while warm, with additional queso sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

[‘Use thick tortilla chips to avoid sogginess.’, ‘Grate your own cheese for better melting.’, ‘Season ground beef with taco seasoning for extra flavor.’, ‘Spread toppings evenly to avoid overcrowding.’, ‘Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for extra crispy nachos.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, queso sauce, loaded nachos, Mexican appetizer, comfort food, game day snacks