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Loaded Nachos for One

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A quick and easy single-serving loaded nachos recipe featuring melty cheese, seasoned beef, and fresh toppings, perfect for solo snacking or a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (60g) sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips
  • 4 ounces (115g) lean ground beef (85/15)
  • ½ cup (55g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup (28g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
  • 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup (60g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons diced fresh tomato
  • 1 tablespoon sliced green onions
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
  • A few sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add 4 ounces ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cumin, a pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
  4. While the beef cooks, prepare the toppings: dice 2 tablespoons tomato, slice 1 small jalapeño thinly (remove seeds for less heat), rinse and drain ¼ cup black beans, slice 1 tablespoon green onions, and chop fresh cilantro.
  5. On an oven-safe plate, spread 2 cups tortilla chips evenly. Spoon the cooked beef evenly over the chips.
  6. Sprinkle ½ cup shredded cheddar and ¼ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the top.
  7. Place the plate in the preheated oven and bake for 7-10 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling but chips are not burnt.
  8. Remove from oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, black beans, sliced jalapeños, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
  9. Dollop 2 tablespoons sour cream over the top or serve on the side for dipping.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

Use thick-cut tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Layer chips, cheese, and beef in two thinner layers for better texture. Melting cheese under the broiler for 1-2 minutes is a quick alternative but watch closely to avoid burning. For vegetarian or dairy-free options, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans and use dairy-free cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded nachos, nachos for one, single serving nachos, cheesy nachos, quick snack, easy nachos, melty cheese, spicy nachos