This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These single serving nachos are crisp, cheesy, and full of flavor. Made with seasoned beef, melted cheddar, and fresh toppings, they’re the perfect quick meal or snack when you want something fun and delicious.
Featured Comment
“This was a perfect recipe for one!”
– Amy
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Single Serving: Made for one.
- Customizable: Add or skip toppings based on what you like.
- Quick: Ready in just minutes.
- Flavor-Packed: Each bite is loaded with bold, satisfying flavor.
- Flexible: Great as a meal, snack, or to share with a friend.
What I love most about this small batch nachos recipe is how every bite delivers crunch, melted cheese, and bold, savory flavor. It’s quick to make, packed with all the good stuff, and just the right size when you want something satisfying without overdoing it.
Nachos have come a long way since they were first created in 1940 by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in Piedras Negras, Mexico and this version captures that same spirit of simple, delicious comfort in every bite.
Nachos are great on their own, but simple pairings can make the meal even better. Try them with a single serving taco salad or small Mexican street corn salad, add a small batch of pickled onions for extra flavor, and enjoy with a chilled margarita. Finish with a mini tres leches cake for a sweet ending.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving loaded nachos recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Tortilla Chips: Use your favorite—salted, unsalted, traditional, or blue corn. Each kind offers a different flavor and texture.
- Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or chicken works too. Got leftovers? Use them in single serving taco soup, small batch ground beef tacos, or stuffed peppers for one.
- Seasoning: A pinch of salt and black pepper is plenty. Add homemade taco seasoning for extra flavor.
Add any of these to customize your nachos:
- Small batch pickled onions
- Single serving guacamole
- Single serving pico de gallo
- Fresh cucumber salsa
- Small Batch Queso
See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Recipe Variations
Mix things up with these simple swaps and additions:
- Different Bases: Replace chips with baked french fries, a small batch of sweet potato wedges, or even shredded lettuce for a lighter option.
- Protein Swaps: Use a cooked chicken breast, brisket, steak slices, or seasoned pork instead of ground beef.
- Cheese Options: Cotija or queso fresco offer a mild, authentic Mexican flavor.
How To Make Nachos
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to bake a small batch of ground beef nachos. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Spread chips evenly on the pan and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics: In a 10-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Assemble the nachos: Spoon the beef over the chips. Top with shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and sliced olives.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Finish and serve: Remove from the oven and add your favorite toppings. Serve hot.
Expert Tips
- Spread Evenly: Use a rimmed baking sheet or cast iron skillet. Don’t overcrowd—this helps every chip get toppings.
- Prep in Advance: Brown the meat and shred the cheese up to 3 days ahead to save time.
- Use the Right Pan: A rimmed sheet pan or skillet ensures even heating and crisp results.
- Serve Immediately: Nachos are best hot and fresh—serve right after baking for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, both are great substitutes for a lighter option. Just season as you would the beef.
Shredded cheddar melts well and has great flavor, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend also work nicely.
You can, but the chips won’t stay as crisp. For the best texture, use the oven.
Yes, brown the meat and shred the cheese up to 3 days ahead to save time.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5–10 minutes. The microwave works, but the chips will soften.
RELATED: Game Day Recipes For One
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 (about 15–20 chips, depending on 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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment. Spread chips evenly on the pan and set aside.
- In a 10-inch skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Spoon the beef over the chips. Top with shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, and sliced olives.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the oven and add your favorite toppings. Serve hot.
Notes
- Spread Evenly: Use a rimmed baking sheet or cast iron skillet. Don’t overcrowd, this helps every chip get toppings.
- Prep in Advance: Brown the meat and shred the cheese up to 3 days ahead to save time.
- Use the Right Pan: A rimmed sheet pan or skillet ensures even heating and crisp results.
- Serve Immediately: Nachos are best hot and fresh. Serve right after baking for the best texture and flavor.
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!