Loaded Baseball Nachos Cheese (Printable)

Crispy chips layered with seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, jalapeños, and fresh garnishes, perfect for sharing.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Nachos

01 - 12 oz sturdy tortilla chips
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1 teaspoon chili powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For the Cheese Sauce

11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
13 - 1 cup whole milk
14 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
15 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
17 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Toppings

18 - 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices
19 - 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
20 - 1/3 cup sliced scallions
21 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
22 - 1/2 cup sour cream

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Set aside.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until bubbling but not browned.
05 - Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 2 to 3 minutes.
06 - Lower heat and add cheddar, Monterey Jack, cayenne pepper if using, and salt. Whisk until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
07 - Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet.
08 - Top chips with seasoned beef, then drizzle generously with cheese sauce.
09 - Scatter jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, and scallions over the top.
10 - Transfer to oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, until everything is hot and bubbly.
11 - Remove from oven. Garnish with chopped cilantro and dollops of sour cream. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for last-minute entertaining
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: The combination of seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and tangy jalapeños satisfies every palate
  • Customizable: Easily adaptable with different proteins, heat levels, and toppings to suit your preferences
  • Perfect for Sharing: Serves 6 people generously, making it ideal for game day parties or family gatherings
  • Homemade Cheese Sauce: Skip the jarred stuff—our silky cheddar and Monterey Jack sauce elevates these nachos to restaurant quality
02 -
  • Prevent Soggy Chips: Serve immediately after baking and avoid over-saucing—you can always offer extra cheese sauce on the side
  • Perfect Cheese Sauce: Make sure all cheese is freshly shredded from a block rather than pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
  • Even Heat Distribution: Spread chips in a single layer if possible, or create strategic layers to ensure every chip gets warm
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the seasoned beef and cheese sauce up to a day ahead, then reheat gently before assembling
  • Spice Control: Start with less cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce—you can always add more heat with extra jalapeños or hot sauce at serving time
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