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Loaded Football Game Day Nacho Bar Recipe with Easy Spicy Beer Queso

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A flavorful loaded nacho bar perfect for game day featuring spicy beer queso, seasoned ground beef, and fresh toppings. Quick and easy to assemble, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser ideal for football parties and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Tortilla chips: sturdy and thick-cut (recommend Tostitos for best crunch)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • 2 fresh jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed if less heat desired)
  • 3 stalks green onions, chopped
  • 1 cup pico de gallo (fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice)
  • A handful cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 100g)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (for queso)
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (for queso)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for queso)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for queso thickening)
  • 2 cups whole milk (preferably) (for queso)
  • 1 cup light lager or pilsner beer (for queso)
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced (for queso)
  • ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (for queso)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for queso)
  • Salt to taste (for queso)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (for queso)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5-7 minutes, breaking apart until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook 3-4 minutes until onion softens and becomes translucent. Stir in taco seasoning and about 2 tablespoons water to coat meat evenly. Simmer 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and beer, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth. Mix in diced jalapeño, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and salt. Finish with lime juice. Keep warm on low heat, stirring occasionally.
  6. On a large platter or baking sheet, spread a layer of tortilla chips. Top with half the seasoned beef, black beans, black olives, jalapeños, and shredded cheeses. Repeat with another layer of chips and toppings.
  7. Optional: Bake assembled nachos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Alternatively, serve as is with warm spicy beer queso drizzled on top.
  8. Scatter green onions, pico de gallo, and cilantro over the top just before serving.

Notes

Keep an eye on the queso to avoid scorching; stir frequently. If queso thickens too much, add a splash of milk or beer to loosen. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. For vegetarian, swap ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. Serve chips and toppings separately if preparing ahead to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, game day recipe, spicy beer queso, football party food, loaded nachos, easy appetizer, crowd-pleaser

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/loaded-football-game-day-nacho-bar-recipe-with-easy-spicy-beer-queso/