Name: Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 (1.25-oz) package taco seasoning; 1 (16-oz) jar salsa; 1 (12-oz) bag corn chips; 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (8.5-oz) can corn, drained; 1 small can sliced black olives, drained; 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1 Roma tomato, diced; 1 small red onion, diced; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced; 1 handful fresh cilantro; Sour cream, for serving

If you are craving a party-pleasing, crowd-pleasing snack that bursts with vibrant colors and bold flavors, the Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe is your new best friend. This dish brings together crispy corn chips piled high with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, fresh veggies, and a medley of classic toppings all baked to gooey perfection on one easy sheet pan. It’s the ultimate comforting yet exciting treat that’s perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want an effortless, irresistible fiesta in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and containers arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. On the top row from left to right, there is a small bowl with brown spice powder, a small bowl with yellow oil, a white container with raw ground meat, a bowl with black sliced olives, and a transparent measuring cup with red sauce. The middle row has a plate with fresh vegetables including an avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, and a small bowl of white sauce. Below the meat and olives, there is a bowl of shredded yellow cheese, a bowl with yellow corn, and a bowl filled with black beans. To the right, there is a large white bowl filled with light yellow triangular tortilla chips. The overall scene is bright and organized, ready for cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering layers of flavor, satisfying textures, and eye-catching color to create a dish that’s both stunning and scrumptious.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect fat for browning the beef and adds a subtle richness.
Ground beef: The hearty protein base that brings savory depth and satisfying chew.
Taco seasoning: Packs a punch of spices that transform the beef into a zesty filling.
Salsa: Adds moisture, tang, and a touch of sweetness to keep the flavors vibrant.
Corn chips: The crispy vehicle that soaks up juices while staying crunchy under the toppings.
Black beans: Give a creamy texture and earthy note, plus plant-based protein.
Corn kernels: Bring a sweet crunch and sunny color contrast.
Black olives: Contribute briny bursts that balance the richness.
Mexican cheese blend: Melts beautifully, creating irresistible, gooey pockets of cheesiness.
Roma tomato: Fresh and juicy, it finishes the dish with a refreshing pop.
Red onion: Adds a sharp bite and crisp texture for contrast.
Jalapeño: Gives just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds.
Fresh cilantro: Provides a bright herbal note that livens every bite.
Sour cream: The creamy topping that cools and complements the spices perfectly.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s nice and hot, ready to melt cheese and warm your toppings perfectly. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for quick cleanup and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray so those chips don’t stick and stay crisp.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle your olive oil and cook the ground beef until beautifully browned and no longer pink. This builds the flavor foundation, giving you that deliciously savory base. Drain any excess fat if you want a leaner dish, then stir in the taco seasoning and salsa to immediately infuse the beef with a vibrant, tangy spice mixture.

Step 3: Assemble the Nachos

On your prepared sheet pan, spread out the corn chips in a single, even layer. This ensures each chip gets its perfect share of toppings. Spoon the seasoned ground beef evenly over the chips, then sprinkle on black beans, corn, and sliced black olives for bursts of flavor and texture. Don’t be shy with the cheese—it’s what binds it all together with deliciously melty goodness.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the assembled sheet pan into the oven and bake for about 5 to 6 minutes. This short time is just enough to heat everything through and transform that shredded Mexican cheese blend into gooey pockets that string with every bite—absolute nacho bliss!

Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle diced Roma tomatoes, chopped red onions, thinly sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro over the top. These fresh ingredients add a crisp, lively contrast to the hot, cheesy base and make every bite exciting. Serve with a generous dollop of sour cream on the side to cool the heat and add a creamy finish.

How to Serve Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe

A white rectangular tray filled with a single even layer of triangular crisp yellow corn chips at the bottom. On top, a smooth orange melted cheese layer covers most chips. Scattered black beans form a separate uneven layer mainly on the upper right side. A thin layer of shredded white cheese spreads evenly across the entire dish as the last top layer. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really make this dish sing. The diced tomato adds juiciness and freshness, red onion brings a sharp bite, jalapeño gives a touch of spice, and cilantro tops it all with a bright herbal note. Don’t skip the sour cream for that perfect creamy contrast that balances the spiciness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these nachos with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad, a tangy guacamole, or even a cool cucumber salsa to round out your meal without overwhelming those bold nacho flavors. A cold beer or sparkling limeade is the perfect drink companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For big gatherings, try dividing the sheet pan nachos onto individual plates or small trays for easy snacking. You can also layer the nachos in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic look, or serve components separately as a build-your-own nacho bar to let guests customize every bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover nachos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the fresh toppings separate if possible to prevent them from wilting or becoming soggy when stored together with the warm ingredients.

Freezing

Because nachos rely so much on crispy chips and fresh toppings, freezing them is not recommended. The texture of the chips suffers significantly during freezing and thawing processes, losing their crunch and becoming mushy.

Reheating

To revive leftover Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe, spread them out on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until heated through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid using the microwave if you want to keep some crispness in the chips.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken or turkey in the Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be a leaner alternative to beef and will work perfectly with the taco seasoning and salsa to keep the flavor profile exciting and delicious.

What can I substitute for black beans?

If black beans aren’t your favorite or you want to try something different, pinto beans or refried beans are excellent options that complement the nachos well.

How can I make this Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe vegetarian?

Simply omit the ground beef and add more beans, grilled veggies, or a plant-based meat substitute in its place. The combination of beans, corn, olives, and plenty of cheese makes it just as satisfying.

What type of cheese is best for nachos?

A shredded Mexican cheese blend is ideal because it melts smoothly and offers a mix of flavors from mild to sharp. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little mozzarella can be good additions or substitutes as well.

Can I prepare the Filling in Advance?

You sure can! Make the beef mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate. When ready to assemble, just spread it over the chips and bake. It’s a great way to save time for your party or gathering.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe, it will become your go-to for effortless entertaining or cozy nights in with bold flavor and minimal fuss. The balance of crispy chips, savory beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings creates a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. So grab that baking sheet, gather your favorite toppings, and let the deliciousness begin!

Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need