Sheet Pan Nachos

We make some version of these nachos almost every week. It’s one of those easy dinners that doesn’t require a lot of brainpower, and everyone’s happy—especially when they get to customize their own corner of the pan.

I usually start with taco meat, beans, and cheese, then toss on whatever veggies we’ve got around. It’s low effort, super flexible, and perfect for the nights when you just need to get something on the table.

Oh—and if you’ve got a ripe avocado, the quick guac takes it up a notch

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground bison (or 95% lean ground beef)

• 1 packet taco seasoning

• 1 can refried beans

• 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)

• 1 bag tortilla chips

Optional toppings (pick your faves):

• Cubed, cooked sweet potatoes

• Diced red bell pepper

• Corn (frozen or canned)

• Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Cook the meat:
   Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground bison or beef and cook for 2–3 minutes, crumbling as you go. Add taco seasoning and continue to cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the meat is fully browned.

2. Assemble the nachos:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Dollop spoonfuls of refried beans over the chips. Add the cooked meat and your favorite toppings. Sprinkle cheese evenly over everything.

3. Bake:
   Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Top it off:
   Remove from the oven and finish with fresh cilantro and a big scoop of homemade guacamole (see below). Serve right off the pan for a fun, shareable dinner.

Quick Guacamole:

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 tbsp Garlic Expressions dressing

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt

• ½ tsp salt or garlic powder (or a bit of both!)

• 1 tsp lime juice

Mash it up:
In a small bowl, mash the avocado until smooth. Stir in Garlic Expressions, Greek yogurt, salt/garlic powder, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.

💡 Make It Your Own

• Protein swap: Try ground turkey, shredded chicken, or black beans for a meatless option.

• Cheese-free? Skip it or use a dairy-free version—still delicious.

• Veggie add-ins: Roasted broccoli, cauliflower,peppers or leftover grilled veggies all work here.

• Kid-friendly tip: Let each kid pick a topping or build their own little section on the pan. Fewer complaints, more buy-in.

• Need it faster? Use pre-cooked meat or skip the baking and melt the cheese in the microwave for individual plates.

Pictured here with fresh corn, orange peppers, green onion