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Denny's Zesty Nachos Recipe

Denny's Zesty Nachos Recipe

Olivia Brooks
Make comfort food magic with this Denny's Zesty Nachos Recipe, packed with crunchy chips, bold beef seasoning, melted cheese, and fresh toppings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 510 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet (for the beef)
  • Baking sheet or oven-safe platter
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Oven or broiler
  • Serving platter (optional but fun)

Ingredients
  

For the Nachos Base

  • 1 large bag 300–350g tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend

For the Zesty Beef

  • 450 g 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Toppings

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced jalapeños fresh or pickled
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Zesty Beef

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and slightly golden. The smell alone will tell you you’re on the right track.
  • Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds — just until fragrant.
  • Now add the ground beef. Break it apart with your spoon and let it cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir well and let the beef cook for another 2–3 minutes so the spices bloom and coat every bite.
  • Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Nachos

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer. Top with half the seasoned beef and half the shredded cheese.
  • Repeat with the remaining chips, beef, and cheese. This layering trick ensures every chip gets some love.

Step 3: Melt and Magic

  • Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. If you like crispy edges, switch to the broiler for the last minute — just watch closely.

Step 4: Finish with Freshness

  • Remove the nachos from the oven and immediately add tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, olives, and dollops of sour cream.
  • Serve hot, messy, and proud.
Keyword Denny's Zesty Nachos Recipe