Loaded Nachos Supreme is the ultimate indulgence—a celebration of bold flavors, contrasting textures, and vibrant colors brought together in one iconic dish. While nachos themselves have humble beginnings, originating in Piedras Negras, Mexico, this recipe takes the classic snack to luxurious new heights by incorporating gourmet touches and a careful layering technique that ensures every bite packs a punch.
Nachos were first created in the 1940s by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, who quickly put together an appetizer for a group of hungry diners with ingredients he had on hand—fried tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños. The simplicity of this dish resonated with diners, and nachos soon became a cultural phenomenon. Over the decades, variations of nachos have evolved, reflecting personal preferences and regional influences. The Loaded Nachos Supreme recipe pays homage to the origins of this dish while embracing modern, flavorful enhancements that make it the star of any gathering.
What sets Loaded Nachos Supreme apart is the meticulous balance of ingredients. The foundation rests on sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips, which are carefully selected to withstand the weight of plentiful toppings. These chips are generously layered with freshly shredded cheddar cheese for its sharp, nutty flavor and Monterey Jack cheese for its creamy, melty texture. For an extra kick, you can even experiment with jalapeño-infused Monterey Jack—perfect for those who love spice.
The addition of seasoned ground beef and black beans introduces hearty elements to the nachos, transforming them from a simple snack into a satisfying meal. A seasoning blend of cumin, salt, and pepper enhances the beef’s natural richness, while black beans add a subtle creaminess. The inclusion of pickled jalapeños provides a tangy heat that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the cheeses and meat.
What truly elevates this recipe, however, is the thoughtfully curated toppings added after baking. Fresh salsa—preferably homemade—brings a burst of acidity and brightness to the dish, while creamy sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative) lends a cool, tangy balance. Diced avocado provides buttery smoothness, and freshly chopped cilantro introduces a pop of herbaceous flavor. Finally, sliced black olives round out the toppings with a salty, briny edge that enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
A key step to ensuring the perfect nachos is layering. The recipe recommends dividing the chips and toppings into layers, preventing the dreaded “naked chip” syndrome and ensuring that every bite includes a blend of flavors. The final step is a short bake in the oven at 180°C (350°F), just long enough for the cheeses to fully melt and bond the layers together, creating gooey, indulgent perfection.
Loaded Nachos Supreme isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. It invites friends and family to gather around and dive in, hands first. Whether you’re hosting a game night, celebrating a holiday, or craving comfort food, this dish delivers. Each bite is a vivid combination of textures, temperatures, and flavors—crunchy, cheesy, spicy, creamy, and fresh. It’s the epitome of crowd-pleasing food and a reminder of the joy that comes with sharing a communal plate of something delicious.
Loaded Nachos Supreme
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag tortilla chips Choose sturdy, restaurant-style chips
Toppings
- 1 cup cheddar cheese Shredded, preferably aged cheddar for depth of flavor
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese Shredded, optional: use jalapeno-infused for a kick
- 1 cup ground beef Cooked, season with salt, pepper, and cumin
- ½ cup black beans Canned, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup pickled jalapenos Sliced
- 1 cup salsa Fresh, homemade preferred
- ½ cup sour cream Or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
- 1 small avocado Diced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro Fresh, chopped
- ¼ cup black olives Sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange half of the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet or ovenproof platter.
- Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the chips.
- Evenly scatter the cooked ground beef and black beans over the cheese layer.
- Add another layer of chips and repeat with the remaining cheeses. Include the jalapenos this time for an additional punch.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling, about 10-15 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, top with fresh salsa, sour cream, diced avocado, cilantro, and sliced olives.