If you’re looking for a fun and easy way to enjoy nachos, you’ve come to the right place! This Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a laid-back gathering with friends. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, these nachos come together quickly and are sure to impress. The combination of seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and fresh toppings makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!
Why This Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe Stands Out
This Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the use of aluminum foil makes for a convenient and mess-free cooking experience. Simply layer your ingredients in the foil, bake, and enjoy! Second, the recipe is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Lastly, the combination of seasoned ground beef and melted cheese creates a satisfying flavor profile that is hard to resist.
The Essentials
To whip up these delicious nachos, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10 beef works great)
- 4 tbsp taco seasoning (or 1 packet)
- ½ cup water
- 4 sheets aluminum foil (16″ each)
- 8 oz Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1 roma tomato, diced
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup green onion or chives, chopped
- 4 tbsp sour cream, or to taste
Equipment & Tools
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following equipment:
- Large skillet – for browning the ground beef
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately
- Aluminum foil – for creating the nacho packets
- Spatula – for mixing and serving
- Baking sheet – to hold the foil packets while they bake
Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe: From Prep to Plate
Now it’s time to bring this Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe to life. Follow these simple steps for a cheesy, savory treat!
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Foil Packets
While the beef mixture is simmering, lay out the sheets of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Make sure each sheet is large enough to hold a portion of nachos.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
On each sheet of foil, layer the seasoned beef mixture, followed by a generous handful of Mexican blend cheese. Feel free to use half of the cheese now and save the other half for the top.
Step 5: Fold the Foil Packets
Carefully fold the sides of the foil up over the nacho mixture, creating a sealed packet. Make sure it is tightly wrapped to keep the ingredients secure during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Nachos
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings
Once the nachos are done baking, carefully unwrap the foil packets (watch out for steam!). Top each serving with chopped avocado, diced roma tomato, cilantro, and green onion or chives. Drizzle with sour cream to taste.
In-Season Swaps
This Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some in-season swaps to keep things fresh:
- Use fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Substitute ground chicken for a lighter protein option. Check out Baked Ground Chicken Tacos for inspiration.
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a unique flavor.
- Add black beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
Chef’s Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your taste preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- These nachos are great for meal prep; just store the components separately until ready to bake.
- If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your nachos fresh, follow these tips:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the nachos in the oven to ensure they stay crispy. Avoid microwaving, as this will make them soggy.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of beef. You can also try a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian dish.
How do I make these nachos spicier?
Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top before baking. You can also use spicy taco seasoning for an extra kick!
Can I make these nachos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and assemble the foil packets in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
What are some great sides to serve with nachos?
Consider pairing your nachos with a refreshing Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake With Ranch Drizzle or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
If you’re loving the idea of one-pan meals, check out these delicious recipes:
Before You Go
This Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe is a delightful way to satisfy your cravings for cheesy, savory goodness, all while keeping things simple and fun. It’s perfect for parties, movie nights, or even just a casual dinner at home. Grab your ingredients, gather your friends or family, and enjoy the deliciousness! Happy cooking!
Foil-Pack Baked Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, mixing well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- While the beef mixture is simmering, lay out the sheets of aluminum foil on a flat surface. Make sure each sheet is large enough to hold a portion of nachos.
- On each sheet of foil, layer the seasoned beef mixture, followed by a generous handful of Mexican blend cheese. Feel free to use half of the cheese now and save the other half for the top.
- Carefully fold the sides of the foil up over the nacho mixture, creating a sealed packet. Make sure it is tightly wrapped to keep the ingredients secure during baking.
- Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Once the nachos are done baking, carefully unwrap the foil packets (watch out for steam!). Top each serving with chopped avocado, diced roma tomato, cilantro, and green onion or chives. Drizzle with sour cream to taste.
Notes
- Feel free to customize the toppings based on your taste preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
- These nachos are great for meal prep; just store the components separately until ready to bake.
- If you’re a fan of spice, consider adding a sprinkle of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
