Loaded Beef Nachos (vegetarian option)

This is one of those recipes you'll only use once, as after you make it you'll never need to read the recipe again. It's that simple to make. This is a no-bake recipe and anything cooked is prepared on the cooktop. I've found that the baking sheet recipes where the entire tray goes into the oven results in soggy nacho chips, which we do not enjoy.

Julian's Beef and Bean Loaded Nachos

I typically either use a pound of lean ground beef, or half a pound plus a half a can of refried beans (which is what is pictured above). You can use less if you desire. If you have a vegetarian you're feeding, you can replace all of the beef with a full can or more of refried beans. You could also substitute the beef for ground chicken or turkey. I prefer the refried beans that come mixed with salsa, but there are many varieties of canned refried beans and any of them will work in this recipe. 

Today I'm serving them on a heated cast iron platter that I typically use for sizzling fajitas. But a hot dish or platter is not required. If you happen to have one, do use it as it will help keep the dish warm.

Ingredients (serves 2-4 adults)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 to 1 pound ground beef
1 small (or half) onion, diced

2-3 tablespoons (about 1 ounce) dry taco seasoning

    Prepared or make you own with ingredients listed at bottom

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans, with salsa if available (optional)
8 ounces (half jar) of queso cheese sauce
1/2 green bell pepper, cleaned seeded and diced (optional)
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles (Rotel)
1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
6 ounces (half jar) sliced jalapeños (optional)
1 8.75 ounce can corn, Mexican-style if available (optional)

1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup green onion tops, chopped (optional for garnish)
4-6 ounces tortilla chips, or more as needed (warmed if you prefer)

Instructions

Gather all of your ingredients chopping the fresh vegetables as noted.

Cook:  Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the ground beef in small chunks and allow it to cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until well browned on one side. Stir, breaking up the meat further and continue cooking until it's cooked through and brown, another 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in onion and green pepper with the ground beef. Cook until tender about 3-4 minutes minutes. Sprinkle on the taco seasoning and stir to combine. Turn off and let sit to keep warm. Warm the tortilla chips in the oven or microwave if you prefer. While the beef is cooking, place the refried beans in a microwave safe dish and warm for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Heat the queso cheese sauce in a small saucepan or in the jar in the microwave. 

Assemble the nachos:  Place an overlapping layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of your serving dish. Drop half of the warmed refried beans on the chips. Add half of the beef mixture. Top the beef with half the queso cheese sauce. Top with half of the diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, and corn. Add another layer of chips and repeat with the same ingredients as previous, starting with the refried beans.  

Top with sour cream and green onions as desired. Serve.

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

Stir together the following:
5 teaspoons paprika
1 ¼ teaspoons garlic powder
1 ¼ teaspoons ground cumin
1 ¼ teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon oregano leaves
1 ½ teaspoons salta