I’m so excited to share my Skillet Loaded Taco Potato Chip Nachos with you! This recipe takes classic nachos to the next level with crunchy potato chips, savory taco beef, and gooey melted cheese. Every bite has a mix of textures and bold flavors that are perfect for game day or any snack craving. Quick to make and fun to share, these nachos are sure to be a crowd favorite.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 25 minutes
Prep Time: about 10 minutes
Cook Time: about 15 minutes
Yield: Enough to share
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I made these nachos at home. The combination of crispy LAY’S® Classic Potato Chips with juicy taco beef and melty cheese was a total game changer.
This recipe is simple to put together and packed with flavor. You layer the potato chips with seasoned beef, cheese, and pickled toppings, then bake everything until bubbly and golden.
Perfect for a game day party, a quick snack, or just when you want something fun and indulgent. Everyone will love digging in!
How to Make Skillet Loaded Taco Potato Chip Nachos
These nachos combine the salty crunch of potato chips with the savory flavor of taco beef and the creaminess of melted cheese. Here’s how it all comes together:
• Brown and season the ground beef for rich taco flavor
• Layer crispy potato chips in a skillet or baking dish
• Add taco beef over the chips
• Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese
• Top with pickled jalapeños and easy pickled onions
• Add more cheese for extra gooeyness
• Bake until the cheese melts and everything is hot
• Finish with sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole
It is a simple, fun dish that comes together quickly and is perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
• 1 bag LAY’S® Classic Potato Chips
• 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (1 ounce) packet taco seasoning
• ⅔ cup water
• 1 (12 ounce) package shredded cheddar cheese
• Pickled jalapeños, to taste
• Easy pickled onions, to taste
• Pico de gallo, for serving
• Guacamole, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready for the nachos.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add Seasoning:
- Stir in taco seasoning and water.
- Simmer until the water thickens into a sauce, about 3–5 minutes.
- Layer the Nachos:
- In a large cast iron skillet or baking dish, place a layer of potato chips.
- Spread half of the cooked taco beef over the chips.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add Pickled Toppings:
- Scatter pickled jalapeños and pickled onions over the cheese.
- Add the remaining taco beef and top with the rest of the cheddar cheese.
- Bake the Nachos:
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings:
- Remove from the oven and top with sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Dig in immediately while hot and cheesy.
Process Details
• Cooking the Beef: Browning the ground beef properly ensures it is flavorful and juicy.
• Seasoning: Simmering with taco seasoning and water creates a thick, flavorful sauce.
• Layering: Layering chips with beef and cheese in stages ensures even coverage and gooey melted cheese.
• Pickled Toppings: Pickled jalapeños and onions add a bright, tangy contrast to the rich beef and cheese.
• Baking: Short baking time melts the cheese without making the chips soggy.
• Fresh Finish: Adding sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole at the end keeps flavors fresh and creamy.
Tips for Success
• Use fresh shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet to keep chips crispy.
• Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
• Make the pickled onions ahead of time for convenience.
• Serve immediately for the best crunch and gooeyness.
• Try different cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for variation.
Serving Ideas
• Game Night Snack: Perfect for sharing with friends over sports or movies.
• Party Platter: Serve with extra guacamole and salsa on the side.
• Casual Dinner: Add a simple salad to balance the richness.
• Layered Meal: Scoop onto small plates for individual servings.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: Not recommended for the best texture, as chips may become soggy.
• Reheating Tips: Warm in the oven to maintain the cheese melt, adding a splash of water if needed.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~450
• Protein: ~22g
• Carbohydrates: ~35g
• Fat: ~28g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sodium: ~800mg
• Sugar: ~2g
These Skillet Loaded Taco Potato Chip Nachos are the perfect mix of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful. They are easy to make, fun to share, and guaranteed to be a hit at any game day or casual gathering.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these nachos as much as I do. Once you try them, they will quickly become a favorite go-to snack in your house.