If you’re looking for an easy appetizer, then these Beef Nachos are just what you need, prepared using ground beef, refried beans, red kidney beans, tomato paste, and taco seasoning.

To prepare Beef Nachos in your slow cooker or crockpot, first, cook the beef until browned. Combine it with beans, taco seasoning, and tomato paste in the cooker. Set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

There’s nothing like the magic of coming home to the aroma of Beef Nachos ready in the slow cooker. It’s the perfect way to kick-start your dinner party!

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Are Beef Nachos Suitable for a Make-Ahead Meal?

Beef nachos are best served fresh but you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time. Store the cooked beef mixture in the fridge for up to two days and assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to keep them crispy and delicious.

Slow Cooker Beef Nachos Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (15 ounces) red kidney beans, keep the liquid
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 package (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup salsa, plus extra for topping
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Tortilla chips, enough to cover a large baking sheet
• 1-2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• Optional toppings: chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced onions, chopped green onions, sour cream

How To Make Slow Cooker Beef Nachos

1. Prepare the beef mixture: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. Add the refried beans, undrained kidney beans, tomato paste, taco seasoning, salsa, water, and garlic powder. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
3. Slow cook the beef: Set your slow cooker to low and cook the mixture for 4-6 hours, or switch to high and cook for 2-3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
4. Preheat and prepare for baking: When the beef mixture is nearly done, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grab a large baking sheet and evenly spread tortilla chips across it, covering the sheet completely.
5. Assemble the nachos: Spoon the hot beef mixture over the layer of tortilla chips on your baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the top, and add diced tomatoes if you like.
6. Bake the nachos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and perfectly melted.
7. Add the finishing touches: Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately add your choice of extra toppings such as lettuce, extra salsa, sliced onions, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream.
8. Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious slow cooker beef nachos hot, perfect as a hearty snack or a casual dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Go for quality beef: Opt for lean ground beef for this recipe; it reduces the amount of grease you’ll need to drain off and gives a cleaner taste to your nachos.
• Layering is key: When assembling your nachos, make sure to layer chips, meat mixture, and cheese evenly. This ensures every bite is as good as the last, providing perfect flavor and texture.
• Spice to your taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to suit your spice preferences. More can be added for a bolder taste, or reduced it for a milder flavor profile.
• Cheese matters: Use a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own ensures a fresher taste and smoother melt.
• Keep toppings fresh: Add cold toppings like sour cream and lettuce after baking the nachos. This keeps them crisp and refreshing, offering a great texture contrast to the warm, melty cheese and meat.

Can I Make Beef Nachos With Another Type of Meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with other meats such as ground turkey or shredded chicken. Both options work well and still absorb the taco seasoning nicely. Just be sure to cook the meat thoroughly before assembling the nachos.

Recipe Variations

• Try with different meats: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or shredded chicken for a lighter version of this dish. The cooking time remains the same, just adjust seasonings as needed.
• Add heat with jalapeños: For those who love a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture before cooking. It infuses the nachos with a spicy flavor that’s noticeable but not overpowering.
• Experiment with beans: Swap out red kidney beans for black beans or pinto beans for a different taste and texture. Each type of bean offers a unique flavor that complements the beef and spices.
• Incorporate a smoky flavor: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the meat mixture before cooking. It lends a subtle smokiness that enhances the taco seasoning and deepens the overall flavor of the nachos.

What To Serve With Beef Nachos

Serve your Beef Nachos with sides like sweet corn elote, zesty guacamole, refreshing cilantro lime rice, tangy mango salsa, and creamy avocado salad. You can also pair them with chilled gazpacho or a crisp jicama slaw to balance the richness.

How To Store Leftover Beef Nachos

In The Fridge:

Place leftover Beef Nachos in an airtight container. I prefer layering them with parchment paper to keep the chips from getting soggy. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Always check for freshness before reheating and consuming.

In The Freezer:

Beef Nachos are best enjoyed fresh and do not freeze well. The tortilla chips become soggy when thawed, ruining their texture. Instead, store any unused beef topping separately in the freezer for up to two months.

How To Reheat Leftover Beef Nachos

To reheat your leftover Beef Nachos, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Heat in a preheated 350-degree oven for about 5-10 minutes. This helps maintain the nachos’ crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker French Beef Dip Recipe
• Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
• Slow Cooker Artichoke And Spinach Dip