Low Carb Beef Nachos

Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Skill Level: Easy | Spice Level: Medium

Ditch the guilt, not the flavor! Our Low-Carb Beef Nachos swap out traditional chips for crispy, oven-baked cheese “chips” and lean seasoned beef, creating a satisfying, high-protein meal perfect for game day, a quick dinner, or a crowd-pleasing snack. This recipe is gluten-free, keto-friendly, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors.

Ingredients

For the Cheese Chips:

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) shredded Mexican-style cheese blend (or a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

For the Beef Topping:

• 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)

• 1/2 medium white onion, finely diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought, check for no added sugar)

• 1/4 cup water

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

• 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce

• 1 medium tomato, diced

• 1/2 cup sliced black olives

• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños (adjust to taste)

• 1 medium avocado, diced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream (or Greek yogurt for higher protein)

• Optional: 1/4 cup sliced green onions, lime wedges for serving

Equipment

• Large baking sheet

• Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat

• Large skillet

• Mixing bowls

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cheese Chips

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, mix the shredded cheese with the smoked paprika and chili powder.

3. Create 12-16 small, flat piles of the cheese mixture on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. They will spread, so keep them small (about 2 tablespoons each).

4. Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are bubbly and set. Watch closely after the 7-minute mark to prevent burning.

5. Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the pan for 10-15 minutes. They will crisp up as they cool. These are your “chips.”

Step 2: Cook the Seasoned Beef

1. While the chips bake, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

3. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

4. Add the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in the 1/4 cup of water, stir to combine, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble & Serve

1. The Key to Crispy Nachos: Carefully transfer the cooled, crisp cheese chips to a large serving platter or keep them on the parchment paper on a platter. Do not assemble the hot toppings on them while they are on the hot baking sheet, as they will soften.

2. Spoon the warm seasoned beef evenly over the cheese chips.

3. Layer on your fresh toppings in this order for best texture: shredded lettuce, diced tomato, black olives, jalapeños, diced avocado, and cilantro.

4. Finish by drizzling with sour cream (you can thin it with a splash of water for easier drizzling). Garnish with green onions if using.

5. Serve immediately! For the best experience, enjoy right away while the cheese chips are still crisp and the beef is warm.

Chef’s Notes & Tips

• Chip Consistency: For perfectly round chips, you can use a silicone baking mat and lightly trace circles with the cheese. For extra sturdiness, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to your cheese blend.

• Make it Your Own: Add other low-carb toppings like sautéed bell peppers, pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. For a dairy-free version, try store-bought grain-free tortilla chips or bake slices of low-carb tortillas until crisp.

• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the beef topping and chop all vegetables ahead of time. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Bake the cheese chips fresh for the best texture.

• Crowd-Sizing: This recipe scales up beautifully. Simply use multiple baking sheets (baking one at a time for even cooking) and increase the beef and toppings proportionally.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 585

• Total Fat: 44g

• Saturated Fat: 19g

• Cholesterol: 135mg

• Sodium: 780mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 12g

• Dietary Fiber: 6g

• Net Carbs: 6g

• Sugars: 3g

• Protein: 38g

Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using a database and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Values are for one serving, assuming the recipe serves four.

Hayyat

Hayyat is a talented content writer and digital marketer with expertise in SEO, social media management, and online marketing. She excels at creating impactful, data-driven content to help businesses connect with their target audience and achieve measurable outcomes.