This Sheet Pan Nachos not only includes the gooey cheesy goodness you love, but also the convenience of being a freezer meal. When you have a day that you know you are not going to be able to cook from scratch, through this recipe into your trusty crockpot, finish it off in the oven, and have yourself the best nachos.
Is there anything greater than a really good Nachos recipe? I think not, and that is why I had to create a tried and true Nachos recipe that brought all that goodness to your family dinner table. There are delicious beef chunks, melding in with the most meltable cheddar cheese, and to top off, all of this on top of a bed of delicious corn chips. The best is here!
This Sheet Pan Nachos, not only includes the gooey cheesy goodness you love, but also the convenience of being a freezer meal. On a day when you have time, prep this meal in a flash, then freeze. When you have a day that you know you are not going to be able to cook from scratch, through this recipe into your trusty crockpot, finish it off in the oven, and you have yourself the Best Nachos has to offer. With very little work and time on your part, by the way. Just the way we like it.
Whether you are a seasoned at home chef, or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is for you. With very little time, you will have gourmet Nachos waiting for you and your family to adore. Grab your aprons and your appetite, let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love this Easy Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe for Freezer Meals
Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a family movie night or hosting a casual get-together, sheet pan nachos are a crowd-pleaser.
Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Even those with limited cooking experience can successfully make delicious sheet pan nachos, making it accessible to everyone.
Versatile Ingredients: You can use various ingredients you have on hand, such as leftover chicken, beans, or veggies, reducing food waste.
Budget-Friendly: Nachos are an affordable meal option, utilizing pantry staples and inexpensive toppings like beans and cheese.
Kid-Friendly: Children tend to love nachos, making it a meal option that is likely to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Sheet Pan Nachos Freezer Meal Recipe
This Sheet Pan Nachos not only includes the gooey cheesy goodness you love, but also the convenience of being a freezer meal. When you have a day that you know you are not going to be able to cook from scratch, through this recipe into your trusty crockpot, finish it off in the oven, and have yourself the best nachos.
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add beef, salsa, and taco seasoning to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker Directions
Thaw freezer bag in the fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
Mince beef in slow cooker and stir.
Preheat oven to 400F. Lay chips out on deep baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, top with beef, cheddar cheese and bake in oven for 5-10 minutes, or until cheese fully melts and serve. Optional: Top with fresh toppings (ex. Lettuce, tomato, sour cream, etc…)
Instant Pot Directions:
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot (No need to thaw), add 1/2 cup water.
Set to High Pressure for 25 minutes, then quick release.
Mince beef in slow cooker and stir.
Spread chips on a deep, parchment paper covered, baking sheet, top with beef and cheddar cheese. Bake at 400°F for 5-10 minutes until cheese melts.
Serve. Optional: Add fresh toppings individually or on the whole sheet pan after coming out of the oven. (We love to top off with shredded lettuce, tomato, and sour cream or guacamole.
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten Free:
Use GF Corn Chips
Make it Dairy Free:
Replace 2-4 cups cheddar cheese with vegan queso (No need to bake in oven because cheese is already melty, if preferred warm in oven for 5 minutes, otherwise skip step 4).
Top nachos with dairy free fresh ingredients (No sour cream)
Notes
TIP: Using this recipe and nacho cheese make tabletop nachos and create a family memory the kids will never forget!
Keyword Beef freezer meals, easy freezer meals for new moms, Sheet Pan Freezer Meals, Sheet pan Nachos, Sheet Pan Recipes
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Equipment Needed to Make Quick and Convenient Sheet Pan Nachos Freezer Meal
1 gallon freezer bag
1 Slow Cooker or Instant Pot
1 Deep baking sheet
Parchment Paper
Ingredients For your Sheet Pan Nachos
1 1/2 lbs Ground beef
1 1/2 cup Salsa
2 tbsp Taco seasoning
For Serving:
1-2 Corn chips large bags
2-4 cups Cheddar cheese
Favorite nacho toppings
How to Make Sheet Pan Nachos
Prep/Freezer Directions:
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add beef, salsa, and taco seasoning to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions:
Thaw freezer bag in the fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
Mince beef in slow cooker and stir.
Preheat oven to 400F. Lay chips out on deep baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, top with beef, cheddar cheese and bake in oven for 10-15 minutes, or until cheese fully melts and serve. Optional: Top with fresh toppings (ex. Lettuce, tomato, sour cream, etc…)
What to Pair with Your Make-Ahead Sheet Pan Nachos: Perfect Freezer Recipe
Ground Turkey: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option.
Black Beans: Replace half or all of the ground beef with black beans for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Queso Blanco: Instead of using traditional cheddar cheese, opt for queso blanco (white cheese) for a milder flavor profile. Queso blanco melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the nachos.
Additions:
Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Add diced roasted sweet potatoes as an extra layer of flavor and nutrition to the nachos. Simply roast the sweet potatoes with some olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender, then sprinkle them over the nachos before baking.
Pickled Jalapeños: Enhance the flavor of the nachos by adding pickled jalapeños for a tangy and spicy kick.
Avocado Crema: Drizzle homemade or store-bought avocado crema over the nachos before serving for a creamy and refreshing topping.
These substitutions and additions will add variety and versatility to your Sheet Pan Nachos recipe while ensuring that each ingredient is freezer-friendly. Enjoy your delicious and convenient freezer meals!
How to Reheat and Store Sheet Pan Nachos
Best to way store Family-Friendly Sheet Pan Nachos leftovers?
To preserve leftover sheet pan nachos, first, let them cool to room temperature on the counter within two hours. Then, store them in airtight containers or sealed bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label containers with preparation dates for freshness tracking. For longer-term storage, freeze them; frozen leftovers stay safe for months. This approach ensures convenient enjoyment and minimizes food waste.
How long will Sheet Pan Nachos last in the fridge?
As a rule of thumb leftovers in the fridge, when properly cooled and stored, will remain fresh for three to five days.
Can I freeze Best Sheet Pan Nachos Meal Prep?
We recommend making this recipe as a raw freezer meal, as freezing and reheating can lead to deteriorated flavor and texture of your recipe when you cook for the 2nd time. To prep as a raw freezer meal, add the beef, the salsa, and the taco seasoning to a freezer bag. Save the corn chips and cheddar cheese for use on the day of cooking.
If you have already prepared the recipe and want to freeze your leftovers, follow the same process of cooling and storing as you would if you were using the fridge. Freeze in a resealable freezer bag, and store in the coldest part of the freezer for up to three months.
How to Reheat Delicious Sheet Pan Nachos Recipe?
We recommend using the oven to reheat your leftovers. Preheat the oven to 350F. Arrange your nachos on a single layer on your baking sheet. If you like crispy nachos, consider covering the pan with aluminum foil. Place the baking sheet in the oven for 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on your nachos to prevent burning. Once the nachos are heated through you are ready to serve. You can add your fresh toppings if you like, and enjoy!
Sheet Pan Nachos Meal Prep FAQs
How do you keep Sheet Pan Nachos from getting soggy?
To prevent your Sheet Pan Nachos from getting soggy, it’s essential to use sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips that can withstand the toppings without becoming mushy.
Another tip would be to avoid overloading the nachos with wet ingredients like salsas or sauces. Instead, layer toppings systemically by placing the wet ingredients in between layers of chips and drier ingredients like your cheese on top.
Preheating the sheet pan as well before assembling the nachos can also help crisp up the bottom layer of the chips. Serve immediately to avoid sitting for too long.
What do you serve with Sheet Pan Nachos?
Sheet pan nachos can be served with a variety of different toppings. These sides help enhance the overall eating experience. Some popular topping options include guacamole, black beans, sour cream, salsa, jalapeños, sliced avocados, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
What is the best description of Nachos?
Nachos are an incredibly delicious and customizable Tex-Mex dish that consists of crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and delicious, fresh toppings. They are often served as an appetizer or snack, but can also be used as a full meal, making them a versatile option for busy parents seeking convenient and satisfying freezer meals.
What do people like on Nachos?
People enjoy a range of toppings on their nachos. Some popular choices include melted cheese, seasoned ground beef or turkey as a protein, black beans, sliced jalapeños, tomatoes, onions, sour cream, guacamole, salsa and some cilantro.
These toppings are layed for best flavor, texture, and color to the nachos. All these toppings together add a delicious dish for busy parents looking for easy meal solutions.
What pairs well with Nachos?
Nachos can be paired well with lots of other dishes. Adding side dishes to your dinner elevates the meal experience and adds flavor and style to your dinners. Consider serving your nachos alongside a dish like Mexican street corn salad, or a refreshing watermelon salad. Additionally, mocktails like virgin margaritas or an Agua Frescas can provide a refreshing and thirst-quenching beverage option.
What is the proper layering technique of Sheet Pan nachos?
There is a technique and proper way of making sheet pan nachos in order to ensure success in the cooking process. The best way to layer your nachos to produce the best nachos is by following this laying strategy to ensure even distribution or toppings.
Start by spreading a single layer of thick cut tortilla chips on a lined sheet pan. Make sure the tortilla chips overlap slightly to ensure a sturdy base. Then, distribute the toppings such as seasoned beef/turkey, black beans, cheese, and sliced jalapenos over the chips, repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top. Then bake until the cheese is bubbly and the nachos are heated through.
Are nachos supposed to be a snack or a meal?
Nachos can be enjoyed as both a snack or a meal, spending on the portion size and the toppings used. As a snack, nachos are perfect for sharing with family and friends during movie nights, game nights, or just a casual get together.
However, by adding protein ingredients like meats, or beans, to your nachos, they can be transformed into a hearty meal option for busy parents seeking a quick and delicious freezer meal option.
Where did Nachos originate from?
Nachos are thought to have originated from Northern Mexico in the early 1940’s. Specifically, the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila. The dish was invented by Ignacia “nacho” Anaya, a maitre D’ at the Victory Club restaurant.
The legend has it that Anaya created the dish when a group of US military wives visited his restaurant after closing hours. With limited ingredients on hand, Anaya improvised with what he had on hand, by topping crispy tortilla chips with cheese and sliced jalapenos, creating the first iteration of nachos.
What are some ways to make nachos healthier?
Nachos are generally thought to be a very unhealthy food, however, there are many things that can be done to make Nachos healthier.
Start by using whole grain or baked tortilla chips, instead of fried ones. This will help reduce the calories and unhealthy fats. Consider swapping out traditional toppings like sour cream and cheese for lighter alternatives such as greek yogurt and reduced fat cheeses. Incorporate proteins like grilled chicken, or tofu, along with plenty of rich vegetables like bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, which all add fiber to your meal.
Finally, portion size is very important to avoid overloading the nachos with excessive toppings to keep your calorie intake in check, while still enjoying the delicious meal.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
