It was the big game night and I was hosting a group of my closest friends and family for a watch party. I knew I had to pull out all the stops to make sure we had the ultimate game day spread, so I decided to make my famous Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos. As soon as the team scored their first touchdown, the whole room erupted in cheers. Everyone started reaching for the nachos, and I swear they disappeared in seconds! My cousin even went back for thirds. It’s just one of those recipes that brings everyone together and puts you in the ultimate game day mood.
I’ve been perfecting this Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos recipe for years, and it’s become a total crowd-pleaser. The secret is in the way I layer the tortilla chips, pile on the toppings, and get that perfectly crispy, melty, and flavorful result every single time. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back to regular nachos again.
Why This Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos
These Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos are a game changer because they take all the classic nacho flavors you love and amp them up to the next level. Instead of a messy plate of chips with toppings haphazardly scattered on top, I bake everything together on a sheet pan so you get an even distribution of melty cheese, juicy ground beef, tangy salsa, and cool sour cream in every bite. The result is like a giant, shareable nacho platter that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Tortilla chips: I like to use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to all the tasty toppings.
- Ground beef: Be sure to brown the beef and drain any excess fat so it’s nice and crumbly.
- Taco seasoning: This adds that classic Tex-Mex flavor to the beef. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought seasoning mix.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The key is to use a nice, high-quality cheddar that melts beautifully.
- Salsa: Go for a medium or hot salsa to give the nachos some zing.
- Sour cream: This cool, creamy topping balances out the heat from the salsa.
- Sliced jalapeños (optional): For an extra kick of heat and crunch.
Step-by-Step Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos Instructions
Preparing Your Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos
These Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos come together in just about 30 minutes, start to finish. You’ll need a large baking sheet or rimmed sheet pan, and an oven preheated to 400°F. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet or rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked beef and stir to coat. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
4- Spread the tortilla chips out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Top evenly with the seasoned ground beef.
5- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. Bake for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and drizzle the salsa and sour cream over the nachos. Garnish with sliced jalapeños, if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos is to use high-quality, sturdy tortilla chips that can stand up to all the toppings. Avoid flimsy chips that will get soggy.
Be sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly and drain any excess fat before seasoning. This prevents the nachos from getting greasy.
Keep a close eye on the nachos as they bake so the cheese doesn’t overcook and get dried out. You want it to be perfectly melted and gooey.
Serving and Storing Your Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos
Perfect Pairings for Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos
These Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos are the ultimate game day or party food. Serve them up with ice-cold beers, margaritas, or your favorite Mexican-inspired cocktails. They also pair beautifully with guacamole, pico de gallo, and black bean dip for extra dipping fun.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through.
You can also prepare the components ahead of time and assemble right before baking. Cook the ground beef, shred the cheese, and chop any toppings up to 2-3 days in advance. Then just layer everything on the sheet pan and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos
Creative Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos Variations
For a fun twist, try swapping out the ground beef for shredded chicken or spicy chorizo. You can also mix up the cheese by using a blend of cheddar and pepper jack or Monterey Jack.
In the fall, top the nachos with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and a drizzle of chipotle crema. For a more Mediterranean flavor, use hummus instead of salsa and garnish with feta, olives, and chopped fresh herbs.
Making Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos Diet-Friendly
To make these Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos gluten-free, simply use certified gluten-free tortilla chips. For a lower-carb version, you can use low-carb or keto-friendly tortilla chips made with almond or coconut flour.
To make them vegan, skip the ground beef and cheese, and top the chips with plant-based taco “meat”, guacamole, pico de gallo, and dairy-free sour cream or cashew cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are both great substitutes for the beef in this recipe. The cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to cook the meat through until no longer pink.
Q: How do I get the chips to stay crispy?
A: The key is to use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips and to bake them on a single layer on the sheet pan. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chips and keep them crispy, even with all the toppings.
Q: Can I make these Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely prepare the components in advance. Cook the ground beef, shred the cheese, and chop any toppings up to 2-3 days ahead of time. Then simply assemble and bake the nachos right before serving.
Q: What if I don’t like spicy food?
A: No problem! You can easily adjust the heat level by using a mild salsa and omitting the jalapeños. The sour cream will also help cool down the spice if needed.
Q: How do I prevent the nachos from getting soggy?
A: To avoid soggy nachos, be sure to use high-quality, thick tortilla chips and don’t overload the pan with too many toppings. Also, try to bake the nachos just before serving so they’re fresh and crisp.
Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
Crispy, melty Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack for game day or any occasion! This easy 30-minute recipe is loaded with layers of tortilla chips, gooey cheese, zesty toppings, and all your favorite nacho fixings.
Ingredients
– 1 (13 oz) bag tortilla chips
– 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
– 1 (4 oz) can diced jalapeños, drained
– 1 cup salsa
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F. Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
2. – Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the chips, then top with the diced jalapeños.
3. – Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. – Remove the sheet pan from the oven and drizzle the salsa and sour cream over the nachos.
5. – Garnish with sliced green onions.
6. – Serve the Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos immediately, while hot and crispy.
Notes
– For extra flavor, try adding cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans to the nachos.
– Swap out the salsa for your favorite hot sauce or guacamole.
– Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mexican-inspired
Conclusion
These Sheet Pan Touchdown Nachos are the ultimate game day or party food that’s guaranteed to be a total crowd-pleaser. With their perfectly seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and vibrant toppings, they’re sure to have everyone reaching for seconds (or thirds!). Give this recipe a try for your next big event, and get ready to take home the MVP award!