If you're looking for a fun dinner recipe, a game day appetizer or snack for when you're hosting, a ground turkey nacho platter is it! Besides the crunchy vegetables, creamy beans, deliciously seasoned ground turkey and plenty of melted cheese, you'll love how easy and customizable this nacho recipe is.
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Nachos for a Friday night dinner is something of a tradition around here.
Although we do switch it up for a pizza night or maybe some chicken lettuce wraps from time to time, a plate of nachos is just such a great way to start the weekened.
From white cheddar and chicken to carnitas to these ground turkey nachos, we have a pretty solid rotation of delicious nachos flavors to make sure we never get bored of them.
And if we really want to stick with the theme, maybe even some Apple Nachos for dessert!
The Ingredients
- Lean Ground Turkey- If you'd prefer, you can sub lean ground beef or chicken instead.
- Taco Seasoning Mix- I always have a jar of this easy taco seasoning on hand, but if you don't have any, I have notes at the bottom of the recipe card on a small batch seasoning mix.
- Tomato Paste- This can be omitted if you don't have any on hand.
- Corn Tortilla Chips
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese- Feel free to substitute another favorite such as pepper jack cheese. But whatever kind you choose, make sure that you shred it yourself for best results.
- Corn- Fresh, frozen (and thawed) or canned (and drained) will all work. Omit if preferred.
- Black Beans- You can use these homemade beans (so much flavor!) or canned and drained. Or omit them if you aren't a fan.
- Jalapeno Peppers- For a bit of heat! Remove seeds and membranes to reduce the spice level or keep them in if you want it spicy. You can also use jarred, pickled jalapeños or green chiles. Or leave them off completely.
- Red Onion- Chopped yellow or white onion can also be used. Or omit.
- Bell Pepper- Any colour of sweet bell pepper will work.
The Method
1. Cook taco meat. Place the turkey meat in a large skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring and crumbling until cooked through. Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste and cook for 2-3 additional minutes until absorbed.
2. Assemble nachos. On a large baking sheet, spread nacho chips in a single layer, overlapping slightly.
Spoon half of turkey mixture over top (about 1.5 cups).
Then half of the corn, beans, peppers and onion.
And finally half of the shredded cheese.
Top with a second layer of tortilla chips and the second amount of toppings and cheese.
3. Bake sheet pan nachos. Bake at 400 F for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
4. Serve! Garnish with your favorite toppings.
Leftovers and Storage
Make Ahead: Cook the turkey mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
*We usually make a half batch of these nachos for the two of us. So I prepare a full batch of turkey and then divide it and freeze half for next time.
To Store: Cool leftover turkey nachos on a wire rack completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To Reheat: While they aren't quite the same the next day, you can reheat nachos in the oven or toaster oven at 300 F for 15-20 minutes. Spread out into a single layer for best results. See this post for microwave, air fryer and stove top reheating methods plus tips.
Smaller Batch: If you know that you won't eat a full tray of nachos, assemble a smaller portion and store the toppings in separate container in the refrigerator (up to 2 days) to make later so that you can have them fresh rather than as leftovers.
Make it Your Own
Customize this recipe to include all of your favorite nacho toppings (and omit any that you don't love!). Some other ideas to add would be:
- Olives
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Tomatoes
- Or check out this The Ultimate List of Nacho Toppings
Serving Ideas
The best part might just be what you put on top of the nachos! Some ideas:
- Pico de Gallo or Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Guacamole or Sliced Avocado
- Fresh Cilantro
- Green Onions
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
- 5 Minute Cashew "Queso"
- A dash of Hot Sauce (or make Buffalo Chicken Nachos!)
- Lime Juice
In place of 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning, you can use the following combination of spices:
1 tablespoon chili powder
½ tablespoon cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
Tips and Tricks
My number one tip for making THE BEST homemade ground turkey nachos is to shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese is coated to prevent it from caking together which prevents it from melting as well.
And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like:
- Shredded Chicken Nachos
- Ground Beef Tacos
- One Pot Turkey Chili
- Easy Chicken Fajita Nachos
- Barbecue Chicken Nachos
- Chimichurri Chicken Nachos
Recipe Card
Ground Turkey Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning *see note
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 10 oz tortilla chips
- 4 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup black beans
- 2 jalapenos sliced (¼ cup)
- 1 red onion diced (1 cup)
- 1 sweet bell pepper diced (1 cup)
Instructions
- Place the turkey in a large skillet and cook over medium heat, stirring and crumbling until cooked through. Stir in the taco seasoning and tomato paste and cook for 2-3 additional minutes until absorbed. Remove from heat.
- On a large baking sheet, spread nacho chips in a single layer, overlapping slightly. Spoon half of turkey mixture over top (about 1.5 cups) followed by half of the corn, beans, peppers and onion and then half of the shredded cheese.
- Top with a second layer of tortilla chips and the second amount of toppings and cheese.
- Bake at 400 °F for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve with your favorite garnishes.
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