Chili Nachos are a super awesome snack to throw together on game day or when unexpected guests pop by for a visit!

Make them with leftover chili or even canned chili and some pre-shredded cheese for a really easy appetizer.

close up of Chili Nachos in a baking sheet

A Favorite Cheesy Appetizer

  • Sometimes a quick and easy snack is all this needed to keep the game day watchers happy.
  • Just 6 ingredients – chips, canned chili, cheese, and toppings – are all that’s needed to get the party started!
  • The chili in this recipe turns plain nachos into a filling dish. It’s a simple no-fuss appetizer!

ingredients to make Chili Nachos with labels

Ingredients & Variations

CHILI To make it simple, this recipe calls for a can of beef chili (we prefer beanless). Just open, scoop onto the bed of tortilla chips, then add cheese & the rest of the ingredients. Or use the leftovers from a large batch of homemade chili!

CHIPS Any plain tortilla chips will taste great but we find the thinner restaurant-style chips don’t hold up as well.

CHEESE This dish wouldn’t be the same without all that gooey melted cheese. Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, marble cheese, or any cheese that’s in the fridge! Extra time? Make a batch of queso to really impress your guests!

process of adding ingredients to pan to make Chili Nachos

How to Make Chili Nachos

  1. Lay chips out on the baking pan.
  2. Add a layer of cheese to the chips. Add chili, jalapeno, and onion.
  3. Add more cheese.
  4. Bake (as per the recipe below). Serve.

cooked Chili Nachos in the pan

Tips & Tricks

  • As with any nachos, serve these with a side of sour cream, salsa, or even some guacamole.
  • Using parchment paper makes for super easy clean-up!
  • Broil the nachos for 1-2 minutes once they’re done baking to brown the cheese.
  • Prep ingredients before guests arrive so on game day all that’s left to do is to layer everything and bake!

Change It Up

Try these favorite twists on nachos!

taking a chip with melted cheese from pan of Chili Nachos

Game Day Go-To’s

Did you make these Chili Nachos? Be sure to leave us a rating and a comment below! 

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taking a chip with melted cheese from pan of Chili Nachos
5 from 4 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Chili Nachos

Chili Nachos are so cheesy and so easy! What's better than homemade nachos loaded with chili, cheese, and toppings?
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
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Ingredients  

  • 14 ounces tortilla chips 1 bag
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese blend divided
  • 15 ounces chili 1 can
  • 1 jalapeño sliced
  • ¼ cup finely diced white onion
  • 1 large tomato seeded & diced

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • Create a single layer of chips on a large baking sheet, making sure the chips fully cover the tray.
  • Layer ½ the cheese and then the chili on top of the chips. Sprinkle jalapenos and onion on top of the chili.
  • Finish with a layer of remaining cheese and bake in the oven for 13-16 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  • Top with the diced tomatoes and serve.

Notes

Other optional toppings include green onions, black olives, cilantro, corn, or beans. 
5 from 4 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 563 | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 911mg | Potassium: 484mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1084IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 493mg | Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Party Food
Cuisine American, Tex Mex
Chili Nachos cooked in the pan and close up with a title
close up off Chili Nachos in the pan with sour cream and a title
taking a chip out of a pan of cooked Chili Nachos with a title
Chili Nachos with salsa and writing

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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