This ground beef nachos recipe is packed with flavor and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It was even featured in Brian Baumgartner’s (Kevin from The Office) chili cookbook. The combination of gooey cheese and a savory baked-bean-and-beef mixture—our little secret—makes these the best homemade nachos in about 15 minutes.
Why you will love these
A fresh twist on a classic: These are nachos with a chili-inspired twist, creating a unique and satisfying flavor combination.
Proven winner: I’ve been making these chili nachos for nearly a decade and they always impress guests and family alike.
Simple and fast: Assembling on a sheet pan keeps prep and cleanup quick. One-pan meals are ideal for busy weeknights—sometimes we eat straight from the pan at the table.
Celebrity-approved: It felt surreal to see this recipe featured in Brian Baumgartner’s cookbook. That moment helped validate my work as a food creator.
If you enjoy sheet-pan meals, these nachos fit right in with other favorites like our cheeseburger tots. We also compiled an e-book of 20+ sheet-pan meals that covers everything from breakfast to desserts for easy weeknight inspiration.
These chili nachos or the bean-and-meat mixture would be a fun addition to a Mexican-style charcuterie board—great for parties or casual gatherings.
What you need
This recipe is ideal for busy evenings. It’s straightforward and relies on a few key ingredients for maximum flavor.
Bush’s Baked Beans: The secret to the dish. The beans lend a subtle sweetness that balances the savory ground beef; together with corn they form a rich, well-rounded filling.
Corn tortilla chips: Many corn chips are naturally gluten-free, but check labels for certification and avoid chips that may be cross-contaminated in shared frying oil. Choose plain chips made only from corn for best results.
- Siete Foods chips
- Tostitos (plain corn)
- Food Should Taste Good
- Late July
- Don Julio Lightly Seasoned Tortilla Chips
If you want a different take on chips, try dessert nachos—salted chips with sweet toppings make a delightful treat.
How to make them
Brown the ground beef, stir in the baked beans and drained corn to create the savory bean-and-beef mixture. Spread tortilla chips across a baking sheet, sprinkle with shredded cheese, spoon the beef-and-bean mixture over the chips, then finish in the oven.
Top tip: A squeeze of fresh lime over the finished nachos brightens the flavors and lifts the whole dish.
You can broil the nachos for about 2 minutes for a quick, bubbly finish, or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes if you prefer a gentler melt. Both methods work—choose based on how fast you need them.
This oven method truly makes nachos easy and repeatable—your family will ask for them again.
Need an EASY and delicious breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert?
Check out our Sheet Pan Meals and More e-book for more one-sheet ideas.
15-Minute Ground Beef Nachos Featured by “Kevin Malone” from The Office!
Ingredients
- 1 28 oz. can Bush’s Original Baked Beans
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 15 oz. can corn, drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Corn tortilla chips gluten-free
- Optional toppings: sour cream salsa, cilantro and chopped tomatoes
Instructions
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In a frying pan, brown the ground beef.
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When the beef is browned, stir in the drained corn and baked beans.
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Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
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Spoon the bean-and-beef mixture over the chips and cheese.
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Broil for 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly (or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes).
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Top with sour cream, salsa, cilantro and chopped tomatoes if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
I prefer to add fresh toppings after baking for a bright contrast, though olives, jalapeños or peppers can be added before baking if you like them warmed into the dish.
Nutrition
| Calories: 644kcal
| Carbohydrates: 39g
| Protein: 35g
| Fat: 40g
The original recipe was published on May 19, 2011 and updated with new tips on September 29, 2022. Below is the photo used in the original post.