These loaded Steak Nachos are a glorious snack for game day, an easy weeknight dinner or party appetizer. Tender and flavorful steak is even better when served over crispy chips and gooey queso, with all your favorite toppings.
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About this Loaded Steak Nachos recipe
Whenever I go to a Panthers game, I always share a plate of gooey, cheesy nachos with whoever is at the game with me. It used to be those cruddy yellow corn chips with the ultra-processed cheese, but a few years ago, the stadium introduced a fancy nachos counter.
You could get all kinds of meats and vegetables piled on top of perfectly round chips and enjoy them, warm, from your seat while watching the game. A total win! (Then they replaced it with barbecue — which was bittersweet because I still love bbq!)
But as you can tell, nachos are a favorite of mine and I think they’re a killer way to enjoy game day! I even love nacho dip! But these steak nachos have my heart.
The bold flavor of blackened steak paired with creamy queso is just so comforting and inviting. Pair your plate of nachos with a frozen blue margarita and you’ve got a game day set up that anyone would enjoy!
Why you’ll love this recipe
There’s too many reasons to list why you’ll love these easy nachos — they’re so lovable. But here’s a few reasons:
- You can make this recipe in bulk for parties or reduce it down for a single serving. It’s really versatile and works for many different occasions!
- There are so many amazing flavors in this dish. You can add whatever toppings you want!
- Homemade steak nachos can be just as good as your favorite restaurant.
Ingredients
Grab all of these ingredients to make the best steak nachos ever:
- New York strip steak
- taco seasoning
- salt and pepper
- avocado oil
- tortilla chips
- queso blanco
- canned black beans
- frozen corn
- sliced jalapeño peppers
- pico de gallo
- sour cream
- fresh cilantro
- guacamole
Substitutions & variations
Change the cheese: You can use any melted cheese if you prefer, it doesn’t have to be queso blanco. Shredded Mexican or cheddar cheese can also be melted on top of the chips, but it’s not as ooey-gooey. Some copycat Taco Bell Nacho Cheese would be perfect too!
Trade out the toppings: Feel free to skip the black beans or swap them for pinto beans or charro beans. Canned corn works great in place of frozen corn.
Switch the chips: Believe it or not, you can make nachos on potato chips if you don’t like tortilla chips or don’t have them on hand. I also love to make homemade tortilla chips when I have the time.
Nacho topping ideas
Steak nachos are so customizable! Try all your favorite toppings or a different kind of chips, like the ones on these red skin potato chili nachos or these bird gang sonoran nachos.
Here’s a few yummy topping ideas for blackened steak nachos:
- pineapple salsa
- beer cheese fondue
- shredded cheese (pepper jack cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cheddar cheese)
- diced tomatoes
- black olives
- homemade salsa
- red onion
- sliced avocado
- tomatillo salsa
Of course, you don’t have to stick to Mexican-inspired toppings. You could use the toppings from these baked buffalo chicken sliders for a delicious flavor,
Instructions
Here’s how to make this easy recipe:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). On a sheet pan, layer half the tortilla chips, then top with half of the queso. Place the remaining chips on top, then top with the rest of the queso.
Add the black beans and corn, then bake the nachos for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and pooling.
Meanwhile, cook the steak. Season steak on both sides with taco seasoning, salt and pepper.
Then heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook steak until medium (or your preferred doneness). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips, or smaller bite-size pieces.
Steak temperature guide
Use an instant read meat thermometer. Keep in mind that steak will continue to cook once removed from the heat source, so it’s okay to take it off the heat a little before it reaches your desired doneness.
- Rare — Cool red center: 125°F (52°C)
- Medium Rare — Warm red center: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium — Warm pink center: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium Well — Slightly pink center: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done — Little or no pink: 160°F (71°C)
Once they are out of the oven, top the warm, cheesy nachos with slices of the cooked steak and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips & tricks
Check out these tips and tricks for the best results:
- Be sure you’re using sturdy chips that don’t break under the weight of all the toppings. If the chips are too thin, you’ll have a hard time eating them! (Or be ready to grab some forks.)
- Slice the steak thin enough so that it balances perfectly with the size of the chips and other toppings, letting the flavors of the queso and other toppings shine too.
- Avoid putting a lot of liquidy toppings on your nachos. Using a lot of salsa, watery beans or vegetables that have a high water content can cause your nachos to become really soggy.
Food pairings
Nachos are delicious all by themselves (I’ve been known to enjoy them for a quick dinner), but they are a great party shareable as well.
Sandwiches: For something like game day, they are a great pre-cursor or companion to a really delicious sandwich or sliders! My friends have these delicious recipes they recommend:
- Italian beef sliders
- Primanti-style sliders
- Reuben sliders
- Miami mahi mahi sandwich
- Bratwurst sandwiches with pub mustard
- Chicken stack sandwich
Main dishes: You could also serve another unique entrée for game day like beer cheese soup or this creative savory Philly cheesesteak cheesecake. And don’t forget the sides like purple potato salad.
Drinks: This red sea party punch, south beach punch or jungle juice would all be great pairings. You could even make some blue and orange jello shots as a fun party treat. A yummy beerita or a classic margarita would be fantastic too!
Desserts: And to finish things off, something sweet! A slice of striped bundt cake or this red, white and blue cake would be delicious. Fruity dessert pizza is great for a healthier option, or you could go all in with some treats like cowboy cookies or cookie cups. For something a little different, a big bowl of brownie batter dip or colorful candy bark would make a statement too.
FAQ
The key is evenly distributing liquid ingredients. By layering some chips first, then using half of the queso, then adding the rest of the chips and queso, you can ensure the chips aren’t too overloaded. It’s also important not to use a bunch of watery salsa or too many watery veggies like tomatoes.
You can, but they won’t reheat very well. But feel free to transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.
More appetizer ideas
- Healthy Dirty Bird Dip
- Pimiento Cheese Crackers
- Chicago-Style Deep Dish Breadsticks
- Pesto Arancini
- Polish Boy Potato Skins
- Jalapeño Popper Cheese Dip
- Bacon Mac Cups
- Swedish Meatball Dip
- Crawfish Etouffee
- Cajun Crawfish Fritters
- Buffalo Chicken Deviled Eggs
- Chicken Teriyaki Pizza
- Sriracha-Honey Nut Mix
Share your thoughts! Leave a ★★★★★ review or comment below. We love hearing from you!
Steak Nachos
ingredients
- 1 pound thin steak such as New York strip, flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 13 ounces tortilla chips
- 15 ounces queso blanco
- 1 cup canned black beans drained
- 1 cup frozen corn do not thaw
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers sliced
- your favorite toppings such as pico de gallo, sour cream, fresh cilantro and guacamole
instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). On a sheet pan, layer half the tortilla chips. Top with half the queso. Place the remaining chips on top, then top with the rest of the queso.
- Top with black beans and corn.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and pooling.
- Meanwhile, cook the steak. Season steak on both sides with taco seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook steak until medium (or your preferred doneness), 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips and set aside.
- Top nachos with the cooked steak and your favorite toppings.
notes
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Amber | Loves Food, Loves to Eat says
microwave nacho afterschool snack for life!!! / I still do that sometimes.
Sarah @ BucketListTummy says
I used to make microwaveable nachos all the time, too! Love how easy and cheesy they get. And yes, to queso. Always queso. These look fabulous!
Lydna@Me and My Pink Mixer says
Nachos are perfect for game day and yours look so delicious!
Elise says
I have a weakness for nachos and these look amazing.
Emily says
Nachos made with potato chips!!? How killer. Love the flavor combinations here, Susannah.