Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a crucial step, as it ensures that the cheese melts perfectly, creating that gooey texture we all crave.
In a medium-sized skillet, heat over medium heat. Once it's hot, add in the ground beef. As it cooks, use a spatula to break it up into small pieces. Cook until it's browned and no longer pink, which usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes.
Once the beef is browned, carefully drain the grease. It's important to remove excess fat to avoid a greasy nacho experience. Add the homemade taco seasoning to the beef, stirring well to coat the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Now, it's time to prepare the base. Take the tortilla chips and spread them in an even layer across a large baking sheet. Make sure to cover the entire sheet so every bite gets a taste of those crispy chips.
Spoon on the refried beans evenly over the chips. This creamy layer not only contributes flavor but also helps to keep everything together.
Next, spread the seasoned ground beef over the beans. Try to distribute it evenly so that every nacho has a bit of that savory goodness.
Sprinkle on the corn, sliced olives, black beans, and salsa, layering each ingredient generously. These toppings add a burst of flavor and texture that elevate the dish.
It’s cheese time! Sprinkle the shredded jack cheese and shredded mild cheddar cheese over the top. Don’t be shy—load it up to ensure melty goodness in every bite!
If you’re using fresh jalapeños, add them on top now. They’ll roast beautifully in the oven, but if you prefer them less spicy, wait until after baking to add pickled ones.
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly, with the edges of the chips just starting to brown.
Once out of the oven, let the nachos sit for a minute. Then, generously top them with freshly chopped cilantro, sour cream, and roma tomatoes. You can also add any other desired toppings.
Finally, serve the nachos warm and enjoy! Gather everyone around to dig in, and watch how quickly they disappear.