Patti's Beefy Nachos

Somehow, this recipe has never been posted on my blog! I was just sharing it with a friend by email, and when I couldn't find it here, I thought this would be a perfect time to rectify the situation!

This is a great recipe for fall or winter meals (so, sorry for posting it in the summer). But could be good for summertime too, maybe served with a nice cool salad and ice-cold beer. Oy...I'm making myself hungry!

Patti's Beefy Nachos

Amounts are to taste. If you like something a lot...use more. If you don't like something, omit. This is a very forgiving recipe.

1 packet low sodium Old El Paso Taco seasoning
1 to 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
chopped onions (cooked or raw...your choice)
chopped garlic (optional)
Shredded cheese

Additional yummy stuff:
Chopped olives and any other desired chopped veggies
Salsa
Guacamole
Sour Cream
Scoops Nachos


If cooking the onions, saute them (and the garlic, if desired) in oil in a pan, then add the beef. Brown the beef till mostly cooked through, then sprinkle on the taco seasoning and prepare as per instructions on packet. I usually decrease the water to about 3/4 cup to make the "sauce" thicker. Simmer till sauce is thickened and beef is completely cooked.

Line a 9x12 baking pan with non-stick foil, or spray with Pam. Spread meat mixture to cover bottom of pan. Sprinkle your onions (if raw), olives and any other chopped veggies you like, then liberally sprinkle with shredded cheese (I use the pre-shredded Jack/Mozza mix). Place under the broiler till cheese is melted to your liking.

To serve, put a couple of big scoops of the meat mixture on each plate. Have your Scoops nachos and your salsa, guac and sour cream on the table so people can assemble each scoop with their favorite dress-ups.

I particularly love olives, so I use a lot, and sprinkle them right on the meat before broiling, but you could serve those on the side if you have guests who aren't fussy about them. I use the pre-chopped salad olives...they're just easier. Can go through most of a small jar for one recipe.

This also reheats well, because the meat and nachos aren't mixed till they're served. But you may want extra cheese when reheating, as the original cheese will tend to blend into the meat mixture in the microwave.