15-Minute Dinner Nachos Supreme: A Quick and Easy Recipe

Dinner doesn’t always have to be a drawn-out affair. Sometimes, you crave something quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Enter: 15-Minute Dinner Nachos Supreme! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, unexpected guests, or simply when you’re in the mood for a fun and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the toppings to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re a meat-lover, a vegetarian, or follow a specific diet, these nachos can be customized to perfection.

## Why You’ll Love These 15-Minute Dinner Nachos

* **Speedy:** From start to finish, this recipe takes only 15 minutes. Perfect for those hectic evenings.
* **Easy:** Requires minimal cooking skills and readily available ingredients.
* **Customizable:** Adapt the toppings to your liking.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
* **Minimal Cleanup:** One pan means fewer dishes to wash.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Tortilla Chips:** Choose your favorite kind – restaurant-style, thick-cut, or flavored tortilla chips all work well. About 1 large bag (10-12 ounces).
* **Ground Beef (or Turkey):** 1 pound. You can also substitute with shredded chicken, black beans, or lentils for a vegetarian option.
* **Taco Seasoning:** 1 packet (1 ounce) or about 2-3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
* **Water:** 1/4 cup (if using ground beef or turkey).
* **Shredded Cheese:** 2 cups. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, a Mexican blend, or pepper jack are all excellent choices.
* **Toppings (Choose your favorites!):**
* Diced Tomatoes
* Sliced Black Olives
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Guacamole or Avocado
* Pickled Jalapeños
* Salsa (Mild, Medium, or Hot)
* Chopped Green Onions
* Cilantro
* Queso (Optional)
* Refried Beans (Optional, spread on chips before other toppings)
* Corn (Optional)

## Equipment Needed

* Large Oven-Safe Skillet or Baking Sheet
* Spoon or Spatula
* Measuring Cups and Spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Prepare the Meat (or Meat Substitute)

1. **Brown the Ground Beef (or Turkey):** In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Cook until no longer pink, usually about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.

2. **Add Taco Seasoning and Water:** Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The mixture should be slightly thickened. If using a meat substitute like lentils or black beans, simply heat them through with the taco seasoning according to package instructions.

### Step 2: Assemble the Nachos

1. **Preheat Oven (Optional):** If you prefer melty, gooey cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you prefer not to use the oven, you can skip this step.

2. **Layer the Tortilla Chips:** Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the bottom of your oven-safe skillet or baking sheet. Make sure to create a single layer for even coverage. For a thicker base, you can slightly overlap the chips.

3. **Top with Meat (or Meat Substitute):** Spoon the seasoned ground beef (or turkey, or meat substitute) evenly over the tortilla chips. Try to distribute it so that every chip gets a little bit of the savory goodness.

4. **Add Cheese:** Sprinkle the shredded cheese generously over the meat-covered chips. Make sure to cover as much of the surface as possible for maximum cheesy deliciousness.

### Step 3: Bake (Optional) or Melt Cheese

* **Oven Method:** If using the oven, bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent the chips from burning.
* **Stovetop Method (No Oven):** Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over low heat for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Watch carefully to prevent the chips from burning on the bottom. You can also use a microwave to melt the cheese, microwaving in 30-second intervals until melted. This method is generally not preferred as chips can become soggy.

### Step 4: Add the Toppings

1. **Get Creative with Toppings:** Once the cheese is melted (or if you skipped the baking step), remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven (or stovetop). Now comes the fun part – adding your favorite toppings! Arrange the diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, sour cream, guacamole, pickled jalapeños, salsa, chopped green onions, and cilantro artfully over the nachos. Feel free to add as much or as little of each topping as you like. You can even create different sections with different toppings to cater to everyone’s preferences.

### Step 5: Serve Immediately

1. **Enjoy Your Nachos:** Serve the nachos immediately while they’re still warm and the cheese is melty. Grab a fork or dig in with your hands – these nachos are meant to be enjoyed! Be prepared for happy faces and satisfied bellies.

## Tips and Variations

* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ground beef mixture for extra heat.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled vegetarian burger. Sauté diced bell peppers and onions for added flavor.
* **Add Refried Beans:** Spread a layer of refried beans over the tortilla chips before adding the meat and cheese for a heartier meal.
* **Try Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Use Leftover Cooked Chicken or Pork:** Shredded chicken or pulled pork are great alternatives to ground beef.
* **Add Corn:** Canned or frozen corn adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
* **Make it a Dessert Nachos:** Use cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, drizzle with chocolate sauce, and top with fruit, whipped cream, and nuts.
* **Individual Nachos:** For a party or gathering, assemble individual servings of nachos on small plates or bowls.
* **Prep Ahead:** You can brown the ground beef and chop the toppings ahead of time to save even more time when you’re ready to assemble the nachos.
* **Guacamole Tip:** To prevent guacamole from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before refrigerating.
* **Sour Cream Alternative:** Greek yogurt is a healthier and tangier alternative to sour cream.
* **Salsa Selection:** Choose a salsa that matches your heat preference, from mild to extra hot.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.)

* Calories: Approximately 500-700 per serving
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 30-40 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

## Storing Leftovers

Nachos are best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Be aware that the chips will likely become soggy. Reheat in the oven or microwave, but the texture will not be the same as when they were freshly made.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I make these nachos ahead of time?**

A: It’s best to assemble and bake the nachos right before serving. However, you can prepare the ground beef and chop the toppings in advance to save time.

**Q: Can I use different types of tortilla chips?**

A: Yes! Feel free to use your favorite kind of tortilla chips. Restaurant-style, thick-cut, or flavored chips all work well.

**Q: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?**

A: You can make your own taco seasoning by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

**Q: Can I use shredded chicken instead of ground beef?**

A: Absolutely! Shredded chicken is a great alternative to ground beef. You can use leftover cooked chicken or cook chicken specifically for the nachos.

**Q: Can I add more toppings?**

A: Of course! Feel free to add any toppings you like. The more toppings, the better!

## Conclusion

These 15-Minute Dinner Nachos Supreme are the perfect solution for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. With minimal prep time and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, get creative with your toppings, and enjoy a plate of cheesy, flavorful goodness! They are great for a party, a quick snack, or a full meal when you just don’t feel like cooking. Enjoy!