Our Recipe Archive

Cheesy, crunchy, and endlessly customizable, Baked Nachos are a crowd-pleasing favorite that turn snack time into a full meal. Layered in a baking dish or foil pan and baked to gooey perfection, these nachos are ideal for weeknight dinners, scout potlucks, or party trays.

Main Ingredients:

• Tortilla Chips (thick-cut for sturdiness)
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• Black Beans or Refried Beans
• Salsa or Tomato Sauce
• Avocado (cubed or sliced)
• Green Onions and Cilantro
• Lime (wedges for serving)
• Ground Beef or Shredded Chicken (optional, cooked)
• Jalapeños, Olives, or other toppings

Meal Type:

• Dinner
• Lunch
• Snacks

Cooking Method:

• Dutch Oven
• Oven

Basic Cooking Steps:

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 375°F.
2. Prep Pan: Lightly oil a cast iron skillet, baking dish, or Dutch oven. Line with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.
3. Layer Nachos: Add ⅓ of chips, then top with beans, salsa, cheese, and toppings. Repeat for 2–3 layers.
4. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 12–15 minutes, then uncover and bake 3–5 minutes until cheese bubbles.
5. Serve: Top with avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges. Scoop onto plates or serve right from the pan.

Tip: For meat versions, use pre-cooked taco-seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken for easy assembly.

Recipe Links (External Sources):

Here are three delicious variations to explore:

• Love From the Oven – Easy Nachos – A flexible, family-friendly recipe with tips for layering, cheese selection, and oven baking
• Taste of Home – Queso Baked Nachos – Layered nachos with ground beef, refried beans, and queso dip, baked in a 13×9 pan
• The Recipe Critic – Sheet Pan Nachos – Loaded nachos with ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese, baked until bubbly and topped with fresh ingredients
• Fresh Off the Grid – Campfire Nachos – Dutch oven layers with beans, salsa, cheese, and avocado
• Cowboy’s Life Blog – Campfire Nachos Recipe – Ground beef, cheddar, avocado, and cilantro
• Spaceships and Laser Beams – Campfire Nachos – Cast iron skillet nachos with olives, tomatoes, and green onions

Camp Instructions: Campfire Nachos

Making Campfire Nachos at camp is simple and satisfying. Here’s how a scout leader can prep and cook this dish outdoors with minimal gear and cleanup:

Camp Gear Needed:

• Cast iron skillet or Dutch oven (10–12 inch)
• Camp stove, grill grate, or open fire ring
• Long-handled spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cup or water bottle with volume markings
• Heat-safe bowl or plate for holding cooked meat or toppings

Camp Cooking Steps:

1. Prep Before Cooking:
   • Dice onion, slice jalapeños, and cube avocado.
   • Portion cheese, chips, and beans into reusable containers or bags.
   • Pre-cook meat at home and store chilled.
2. Layer Nachos:
   • Lightly oil skillet or Dutch oven.
   • Add chips, beans, salsa, cheese, and toppings in layers.
   • Finish with extra cheese on top.
3. Cook Over Fire:
   • Cover with lid or foil.
   • Place over campfire grill or coals.
   • Cook 10–15 minutes until cheese melts and toppings are warm.
4. Finish & Serve:
   • Remove from heat.
   • Top with avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges.
   • Serve directly from pan or scoop onto plates.

Scout Leader Tip: Use foil or parchment to line the pan for easy cleanup. For large groups, cook in batches or use multiple pans.