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Loaded Nachos with Homemade Cheese Sauce

A quick and satisfying nacho recipe featuring a creamy homemade cheese sauce, perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course, Snack
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 4 servings
Calories 800 kcal

Ingredients
  

Nacho Base

  • 1 bag Tortilla chips Thick and scoop shaped, if possible

Homemade Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Butter For starting the cheese sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Flour To thicken the cheese sauce
  • 1.25 cups Milk To create a creamy sauce
  • 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese Can also use half cheddar, half Monterey Jack
  • 1 pinch Salt
  • 1 dash Garlic powder Optional for flavor enhancement
  • 1 tablespoon Pickled jalapeno juice For additional flavor if desired

Meat Mix

  • 1 pound Ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or leftover shredded chicken
  • 2-3 teaspoons Taco seasoning For flavoring the meat
  • 1 splash Water To help simmer the meat

Toppings

  • 1 cup Diced tomatoes Fresh for topping
  • 1 cup Jalapenos Pickled or fresh, depending on preference
  • 1 small Red onion Diced for topping
  • 1/2 cup Olives Sliced or whole, as preferred
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro Chopped for freshness

Finishing Touches

  • 1 cup Sour cream For serving
  • 1 cup Guacamole For serving
  • 1 wedge Lime For serving
  • 1 bottle Hot sauce For serving

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a skillet, brown 1 pound of ground beef, drain excess grease, and stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water. Let simmer until glossy.

Make Cheese Sauce

  • In a small pot, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and keep whisking until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Add shredded cheese, salt, garlic powder, and jalapeno juice. Stir until smooth.

Assembly

  • Layer tortilla chips on a sheet pan.
  • Drizzle cheese sauce, spoon on meat mix, and sprinkle with extra cheese. Repeat the layers.
  • Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until everything is hot and melty.
  • Top with fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cilantro after baking.

Notes

For best results, assemble nachos just before serving to keep chips crispy. Store leftover cheese sauce in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keyword Cheese Sauce, easy nacho recipe, game night snacks, Loaded Nachos, meat nachos