It’s game day (go Cowboys!) and you’re looking for something to nosh. Or maybe you just feel too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen. I’ve got the perfect solution and it just happens to be my favorite meal ever…nachos! More specifically, veggie nachos!
They’re cheesy (or not, your call), spicy (or not, again..your call!), crunchy, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or just you.
Vegetarian Zen is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a monetary commission. Additionally, the information presented is for educational purposes only. Always consult with your doctor. Learn More.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
I love nachos; I always have. I remember as a kid eating nachos and watching The Twilight Zone with my dad when he got home from work late. Here’s why my younger self would love this recipe:
- It’s easy to make As a former latchkey kid, this is one snack my parents trusted me to make when we got home from school. It’s super easy!
- It’s flexible This recipe is great for families or mixed-eating households. Your meat-loving uncle can add ground beef, while you pile on black beans and avocado-lime crema.
- There’s little cleanup One baking sheet means one pan to wash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Got a pantry? Great. You’re halfway there.
- Tortilla chips (go for sturdy
corn tortilla chips so they don’t collapse under the pressure) - Black beans or pinto beans (or both)
- Refried beans (a creamy base that levels up every bite)
- Taco seasoning (bonus points if it’s homemade)
- Red onion, diced (because nachos without red onion are just sad)
- Red and green bell peppers, chopped
- Pickled jalapeños or fresh jalapeño slices (if you like a little kick)
- Shredded cheese Monterrey Jack, cheddar, pepper Jack, or a Mexican-style blend
- Black olives, sliced (olives on nachos are like pineapple on pizza; use them if you like them!)
- Tomatoes, diced
- Green onions, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (it’s a personal choice)
- Avocado slices, guacamole or avocado-lime crema
- Cilantro, fresh (optional, but highly recommended)
- Cooking spray
- Lime wedges for squeezing on top
Optional fun extras: corn kernels, salsa verde, tomato paste drizzle, spicy sriracha mayo
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray with a little cooking spray.
- Layer your chips Use hearty tortilla chips to minimize breakage.
- Add refried beans Dot across the chips or spread a little on each one.
- Add taco-seasoned black beans or pinto beans.
- Top with chopped veggies like bell peppers, red onion, corn, jalapeños, and olives.
- Add cheese as much or as little as you like.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Check at 10 minutes; some cheese varieties melt and brown faster than others.
- Add toppings like tomatoes, green onions, avocado sauce, sour cream, cilantro, or salsa.
- Serve and enjoy Transfer the foil or parchment paper to a plate (it’s easier than removing the nachos one at a time).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not preheating the oven Putting the pan in a cold oven may result in soggy chips because the ingredients will need to sit on the chips longer while the oven gets hot.
- Overloading with wet toppings before baking Drain beans and corn well before adding, and add small amounts of refried beans and other toppings.
- Forgetting the cooking spray Cheese will stick to your foil or parchment paper without a little cooking spray before you layer the chips.
- Using thin chips Thin chips will break under the weight of all the delicious toppings.
Additions and Substitutions
- Vegan cheese Swap in your fave dairy-free blend.
- Faux meat crumbles
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream A little lighter, still creamy.
- Kidney beans instead of black or pinto.
- Avocado-lime crema instead of guacamole Combine avocado, lime juice, garlic, and Greek yogurt in a food processor.
- No oven? Try a quick version with a skillet or even microwave (FYI: not crispy, but still tasty).
So there you have it—your new go-to for lazy dinners, last-minute gatherings, or solo snack attacks. Veggie nachos are fast, fun, and delicious.
Now go put the game on, crack open a cold beverage, and enjoy your veggie nachos!
Love this recipe? Check out our full collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes for more delicious ideas!
Loaded Veggie Nachos
Ingredients
- Tortilla chips
- Refried beans
- Black beans or pinto beans canned (drained)
- Corn kernels canned (drained)
- Red onion diced
- Red and green bell peppers chopped
- Taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese Monterrey Jack, cheddar, pepper Jack, or a Mexican-style blend
- Black olives sliced (optional)
- Pickled jalapeños or fresh jalapeño slices optional
- Cooking spray
For Serving
- Tomatoes diced
- Green onions sliced
- Avocado slices, guacamole or avocado-lime crema
- Sour cream
- Cilantro chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line your baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray with a little cooking spray.
- Layer your chips on the pan.
- Dot refried beans across the chips or spread a little on each one.
- Add black beans or pinto beans and corn kernels.
- Sprinkle with taco seasoning.
- Add chopped bell peppers and red onion, plus jalapeños and olives (if using).
- Add cheese.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden. Check at 10 minutes; some cheese varieties melt and brown faster than others.
- Remove from oven and add toppings like tomatoes, green onions, avocado sauce, sour cream, cilantro, or salsa.
- Transfer the foil or parchment paper to a plate (it’s easier than removing the nachos one at a time) and enjoy!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this in advance?
To avoid soggy chips, these nachos are best assembled right before baking.
What if I don’t have refried beans?
Mash some canned pinto or black beans with a little garlic powder and chili powder for DIY “refried” beans.
Can I skip the cheese?
Of course. But you’ll miss that gooey nacho goodness. Try vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Is this healthy?
Beans and vegetables add protein and fiber. You can go easy on the cheese and sour cream (or skip them altogether) if you’re looking to reduce calories.
How spicy is it?
It’s up to you! Go mild or bring the fire with jalapeños, hot sauce, or even sriracha drizzle.
Can I eat this for dinner?
Is the sky blue?
