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This single serving nachos recipe is a quick and satisfying way to enjoy a classic favorite without leftovers. Made with crispy tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and your choice of toppings, it’s perfect for a snack, meal, or even a casual gathering. Customize it to suit your taste and have delicious nachos ready in minutes!
Nachos are delicious on their own, but you can easily elevate the experience with a few simple pairings. Serve them alongside a fresh Taco Salad , a side of tangy Pico de Gallo and creamy Guacamole for dipping. Add pickled onions for a zesty kick, and pair the meal with a chilled Margarita for a refreshing touch. For dessert, a Tres Leches Cake provides the perfect sweet finish.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Portion: Made for one, so there’s no waste or excess leftovers.
- Customizable: Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes.
- Flavorful: Every bite is loaded with delicious flavors.
- Versatile: Enjoy as a meal, snack, or for a small gathering.
Nachos, a simple and versatile dish, were first created in 1940 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. Originally made with crispy tortilla chips and melted cheese, nachos have since evolved to include a variety of toppings and are enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a meal. Their balance of textures and flavors has made them a favorite for casual meals and festive occasions alike.
Our small nachos recipe offers the perfect portion for one, making it easy to enjoy without waste. Need to serve two? Simply double the ingredients to create a deliciously shareable dish!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serve loaded nachos recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tortilla Chips: Choose your favorite type—salted, unsalted, traditional, or blue corn. Each variety brings a unique flavor and texture to the nachos.
- Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. Leftover ground beef? Use it in Taco Soup, Ground Beef Tacos, or Stuffed Peppers.
- Onions and Garlic: These ingredients are cooked with the beef, adding depth and a robust flavor to the dish.
- Seasoning: A sprinkle of salt and black pepper is all you need, but taco seasoning can be used for added spice and complexity.
- Cheese: Shredded cheddar melts beautifully and adds a rich, creamy flavor. Shred your own for the best results, as pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
- Tomato: A medium-sized Roma or Plum tomato is perfect, but any fresh tomato works well.
- Olives: Black olives add a briny contrast. Feel free to leave them out if you prefer.
- Olive Oil: I recommend extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and versatility, but light olive oil works as a substitute.
Optional Toppings to Elevate Your Nachos
- Pickled onions for a tangy crunch
- Creamy guacamole
- Fresh Pico de Gallo
- Crisp cucumber salsa
- Warm queso
- Sliced jalapeños for heat
- Chopped avocados for a creamy touch
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a tangy finish
- Black beans for added heartiness and fiber
Recipe Variations
- Restaurant-Style: Swap shredded cheese for warm queso. Bake the nachos first, then drizzle the queso over the top for a creamy, melty finish.
- Base Swap: Change things up by using french fries, sweet potato fries, pita rounds, naan, or even shredded lettuce as a base instead of tortilla chips.
- Protein Options: Try shredded chicken, brisket, thinly sliced steak, or seasoned pork in place of ground beef for a flavorful twist.
- Cheese Alternatives: Use cotija or queso fresco for a milder, authentic Mexican touch.
How To Make Nachos
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to bake a small batch of ground beef nachos. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble the Nachos: Spoon the cooked beef over the chips. Top with shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and sliced olives.
- Bake the Nachos: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Add Optional Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with your choice of additional toppings. Serve hot.
Expert Tips
- Even Topping Distribution: Spread chips out on a rimmed sheet pan or cast iron skillet for even coverage. Avoid overcrowding so every chip gets toppings.
- Prep Ahead: Save time by shredding cheese and browning meat up to three days in advance. This makes assembly quick and easy.
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a rimmed baking sheet or cast iron skillet to ensure even heating and crispy nachos.
- Serve Fresh: Nachos are best enjoyed right out of the oven. Serve immediately to keep them crisp and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shredded cheddar is a great choice, but you can also use Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses.
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms.
Spread the chips in a single layer and avoid adding too many wet toppings before baking. Add items like salsa or sour cream just before serving.
Yes, you can cook and store the ground beef, shred the cheese, and chop the vegetables up to three days in advance.
Simply double all the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet to ensure the chips stay evenly spread.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serving loaded nachos recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Nachos For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ounces tortilla chips (between 15-20 chips depending on the size)
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- 5 ounces ground beef
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 1.5-ounces)
- 1 small tomato (about ¾ cup chopped)
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- Optional: Pickled onions, Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Cucumber Salsa, Queso, Sliced jalapeños, Chopped avocados, Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, Black beans
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Onions and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add ground beef, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned, about 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble the Nachos: Spoon the cooked beef over the chips. Top with shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and sliced olives.
- Bake the Nachos: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
- Add Optional Toppings: Remove from the oven and top with your choice of additional toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
- Even Topping Distribution: Spread chips out on a rimmed sheet pan or cast iron skillet for even coverage. Avoid overcrowding so every chip gets toppings.
- Prep Ahead: Save time by shredding cheese and browning meat up to three days in advance. This makes assembly quick and easy.
- Choose the Right Pan: Use a rimmed baking sheet or cast iron skillet to ensure even heating and crispy nachos.
- Serve Fresh: Nachos are best enjoyed right out of the oven. Serve immediately to keep them crisp and flavorful.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
You have made this so easy to prepare. I have a special need’s granddaughter that wants to learn to cook!
Thank you for your comment! I’m so glad you found the recipe easy to prepare. What a wonderful way to help your granddaughter learn to cook—nachos are such a fun and simple dish to start with. Wishing you both a great time in the kitchen!
Love this. One option I love is pickled jalapeno’s. By the way – am SO glad you have someone helping you with additions to your website & assisting you with it. Was already fabulous – but is now absolutely outstanding. I check it almost daily and now have a collection of index recipe cards. Made purchase of special “large” recipe box – just for your fantastic selections. Have passed this website onto so many – who also rave about it. PLEASE……another cookbook or two. Also think appearance at QVC should be in your future. Your website is so great – needs more publication….
Thank you so much for your lovely comment and support! I’m thrilled to hear how much you enjoy the recipes and that you’ve even dedicated a special recipe box for them—what a fantastic idea! Your enthusiasm is truly contagious, and I’m grateful for you sharing the site with others.
I love your suggestion of adding pickled jalapeños. It’s those little twists that can really personalize a dish and make it extra special.
As for the future, your encouragement means the world to me. More cookbooks and perhaps even an appearance on QVC? That would be incredible! I’m definitely inspired by your ideas and the support from all of you. Stay tuned for more delicious adventures!
Thank you again for being such a wonderful part of this community. Keep enjoying the recipes and keep those suggestions coming!
This was a perfect recipe for one! I added some Mexican spices to my gound beef and a couple heaping Tablespoons of refried beans. Topped off my nachos with a little salsa, fresh jalapenos and sour cream. So delicious!