How to Make Cast Iron Loaded Beef Nachos

These Cast Iron Loaded Beef Nachos are everything you love about a satisfying snack or appetizer—melty cheese, savory beef, fresh toppings—all made smarter with wholesome ingredients and a lighter touch. Cooked and served right in a cast iron skillet, these nachos go from stovetop to table in minutes, making them perfect for game day, casual dinners, or anytime you crave comfort food with a healthy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy & Satisfying – Just the right amount of melty cheese without going overboard.
Protein-Packed – Lean ground beef brings hearty flavor and lasting satisfaction.
Fresh Toppings – Diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro keep things vibrant and balanced.
One-Skillet Wonder – Easy to make and easy to clean up, all in one pan!

Ingredients

For the beef mixture:

• 8 oz lean ground beef (96% lean)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the nachos:

• 4 oz baked tortilla chips (about 4 cups)
• ½ cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup diced red onion
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• ¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt (or light sour cream)
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Cook the Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Sprinkle in cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Assemble the Nachos
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a cast iron skillet or oven-safe pan, spread half of the tortilla chips. Top with half the beef and half the cheese. Repeat with the remaining chips, beef, and cheese.

Bake Until Melty
Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Add the Toppings
Remove from oven and immediately top with diced tomatoes, red onion, olives, cilantro, and jalapeño. Dollop Greek yogurt over the top and serve with fresh lime wedges.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 310
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g

Tips for Success

• Use Baked Chips – They cut down on calories while still giving a satisfying crunch.
• Swap Your Toppings – Add avocado, corn, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for variety.
• Don’t Overload – Keep ingredients layered and even to ensure every bite has the perfect balance.
• Make It a Meal – Serve with a side salad or roasted veggies to round things out.

Why This Recipe Works

Using lean beef, reduced-fat cheese, and a smart layering technique, this recipe delivers big nacho flavor with far fewer calories. Fresh, colorful toppings add brightness and texture, while a dollop of Greek yogurt stands in for sour cream without sacrificing creaminess. It’s comfort food, reimagined in a lighter, fresher way.

These Cast Iron Loaded Beef Nachos are the perfect answer when you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and totally satisfying—without going overboard. They come together quickly, look impressive right out of the skillet, and are packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. Great for sharing… or not!