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Beef Nachos With Homemade Cheese Sauce - Bold, Cheesy, Crowd-Pleasing

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Tortilla chips: Thick, sturdy chips hold up best.
  • Ground beef: About 1 pound (80–90% lean).
  • Onion: 1 small, finely chopped.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
  • Tomato paste: 1 tablespoon.
  • Spices for beef: Chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne (optional).
  • Water or beef broth: A splash to loosen the beef mixture.
  • For the cheese sauce: Butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar (or cheddar-jack), salt, and a small pinch of baking soda (optional, helps prevent graininess).
  • Fresh toppings: Diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, and sliced green onions.

Method
 

  1. Prep the basics: Shred the cheese, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Have chips and toppings ready so you can assemble while everything’s hot.
  2. Cook the beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high. Add beef and onion, breaking up the meat. Cook until browned and the onion is soft, 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Season it right: Stir in garlic, tomato paste, 1–1½ teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Add ¼ cup water or broth and simmer 2–3 minutes until saucy, not soupy. Adjust salt to taste.
  4. Start the cheese sauce: In a small pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook 1 minute to make a smooth roux.
  5. Whisk in milk: Slowly pour in 1½ cups warm milk, whisking until smooth. Simmer gently 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  6. Add the cheese: Lower the heat. Sprinkle in 2 cups shredded cheddar a handful at a time, whisking until melted and silky. Season with a pinch of salt and a tiny pinch of baking soda if the sauce looks tight. Keep warm on low.
  7. Assemble the nachos: Spread a layer of chips on a sheet pan or large platter. Spoon over the hot beef, then drizzle generously with cheese sauce.
  8. Finish with toppings: Add tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, and cilantro. Dot with sour cream and serve with lime wedges.