Close-up of a grilled nachos recipe in a cast iron skillet, topped with sliced steak, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream.

Grilled Nachos Recipe They’ll Love This Summer

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If you’re looking for a bold, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to make anywhere, this grilled nachos recipe delivers every time. Whether you’re outside making camping nachos or simply craving nachos for dinner, this cheesy, smoky skillet dish is stacked with flavor in every bite

Why grilled nachos recipe Works

  • Adaptable heat source – Cook over a campfire grate, charcoal kettle, gas grill, or even your kitchen oven.
  • Flavor stacked in every bite—crisp tortilla chips, tender grilled steak (or your preferred protein), and a duo of irresistibly melty cheeses.
  • Party‑ready or meal‑sized – Pile everything onto one big skillet for sharing, or portion individual trays for dinner.
  • Customizable toppings – Swap steak for mushrooms, chicken, or black beans; dial the spice up or down with fresh jalapeños.

Ingredients Ingredients for the Best Steak Nachos Skillet

Flat lay of ingredients for a grilled nachos recipe, including raw steak, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, lime, avocado, and jalapeño.

For the Base

  • 1 sturdy bag of tortilla chips
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese

For the Protein (Steak Nachos Recipe)

  • 1 lb steak (ribeye or flank)
  • Olive oil, salt, and black pepper

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1 fresh jalapeño, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • Sour cream or crema
  • Your go-to nacho dip or salsa
  • Fresh lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions for Camping Nachos or Oven Nachos

Step-by-step collage showing a grilled nachos recipe with steak: grilling, slicing, layering with cheese, jalapeños, and tomatoes in a cast iron skillet.

1. Preheat the Heat

  • Grill or campfire: Medium‑high (around 400 °F / 205 °C).
  • Oven option: Set to 400 °F (205 °C) and position a rack in the upper third.

2. Grill the Steak

  1. Pat steak dry, coat with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Grill 3–4 minutes per side for medium‑rare.
  3. Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

3. Build the Nachos

  1. Set a cast‑iron skillet or heavy, oven‑safe pan on a heat‑proof surface.
  2. Scatter half the chips over the bottom.
  3. Sprinkle with half each of cheddar and Jack, then layer on half the steak and a handful of onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños.
  4. Repeat with remaining chips, cheese, steak, and veggies for a two‑tier masterpiece.

4. Melt & Crisp

  • Slide the loaded skillet onto the grill grate (lid down) or into the hot oven.
  • Cook 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and edges begin to brown.

5. Finish & Serve

  • Top with avocado cubes, cilantro, dollops of crema, and a squeeze of fresh lime.
  • Serve immediately with extra salsa or dip on the side.

Storage & Food Safety for Homemade Nachos on the Go

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container for no more than 48 hours. Reheat in an oven to preserve crunch. If you’re outdoors, store raw meat in a cooler and make sure it reaches a safe internal temp (145°F).

What to Serve With Steak Nachos Recipe

Rustic table scene with grilled nachos recipe in a cast iron skillet, surrounded by grilled corn, guacamole, salsa, and lime wedges.

Round it out with:

  • Elote (Mexican street corn)
  • Fizzy lime soda or a cold beer
  • Guacamole with extra chips
  • A grilled fruit salad or slaw

Conclusion

If you’re craving easy, cheesy comfort food with serious flavor, grilled nachos are your go-to. Whether you’re outdoors or at home, this nacho dinner delivers every time.

Explore More Flavors That Pair Perfectly with Steak Nachos

FAQs About This Steak Nachos Recipe

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes! Sub steak for beans or grilled mushrooms.

Can I use leftover meat?
Absolutely—this works great with leftover grilled steak or chicken.

No cast iron skillet?
Use any oven-safe pan or a foil tray for the grill.

Can I make this in the oven?
Absolutely—slide the pan into a 400 °F oven and bake until the cheese is bubbling and the chips are irresistibly crisp.

Print
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Close-up of a grilled nachos recipe in a cast iron skillet, topped with sliced steak, cheese, avocado, tomatoes, and sour cream.

Grilled Steak Nachos with Melty Cheese and Guacamole

  • Author: Monica
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe

Description

This grilled steak nachos recipe delivers sizzling flavor straight from the fire. Crisp tortilla chips are layered with tender grilled ribeye, two kinds of cheese, and bold toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, and fresh salsa. Perfect for outdoor dinners, casual gatherings, or movie nights, this dish is rustic, hearty, and ready in under 45 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1 large bag of sturdy tortilla chips

Cheese Blend

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Steak

  • 1 lb ribeye or flank steak

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Toppings

  • ½ cup diced red onion

  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

  • ½ cup cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 ripe avocado, diced

  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

  • ½ cup guacamole

  • ¼ cup sour cream or crema

  • ½ cup fresh salsa

  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat the Grill or Oven
    Preheat a charcoal or gas grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). For oven baking, preheat to 400°F and place a rack in the upper third.

  • Season and Grill the Steak
    Pat the steak dry. Rub with olive oil, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Grill for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain.

  • Layer the Nachos
    In a large cast-iron skillet or grill-safe pan, layer half the tortilla chips, followed by half the cheese, grilled steak slices, and toppings (onion, tomatoes, jalapeños). Repeat with a second layer.

  • Melt the Cheese
    Place the skillet back on the grill (or in the oven) and cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and slightly golden on the edges.

  • Add Fresh Garnishes
    Remove from heat and immediately top with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, a scoop of guacamole, and a drizzle of sour cream. Serve with lime wedges and salsa on the side.

Notes

Substitutions: Use grilled chicken, pulled pork, or black beans for a protein twist.

Make it vegetarian: Swap steak for seasoned grilled mushrooms or jackfruit.

Spice level: Adjust jalapeños or add hot sauce to dial the heat up or down.

Campfire version: Use foil pans and cook over a fire grate for 8–12 minutes.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilled
  • Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 generous portion (about 1/4 of skillet)
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 610 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: grilled nachos recipe, steak nachos, camping nachos, oven nachos, gourmet nachos, nachos for dinner

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