Loaded Turkey Nachos Recipe
This Loaded Turkey Nachos recipe transforms simple ingredients into a bold, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for sharing. Featured on Everyday Excellent , this recipe layers seasoned ground turkey, melted cheese, fresh salsa, and crispy tortilla chips for a lighter twist on classic nachos without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner, game night, or relaxed entertaining, loaded turkey nachos deliver comfort, crunch, and crowd-pleasing appeal in under 30 minutes.
The Inspiration
Nachos are one of the most beloved communal dishes, known for their generous toppings, melty cheese, and irresistible crunch. This version draws inspiration from classic loaded nachos while updating them with ground turkey for a lighter, everyday-friendly approach. Turkey absorbs spices beautifully, making it an ideal base for bold seasonings like cumin, coriander, oregano, and chili powder.
On Everyday Excellent featuring our host Vanessa Gianfrancesco, recipes are designed to feel approachable, flexible, and deeply satisfying—perfect for real-life cooking. These loaded turkey nachos fit seamlessly into that philosophy. They’re quick enough for a busy weeknight, yet hearty and festive enough to serve guests. By combining pantry spices, fresh salsa, and a smart layering technique, this dish delivers maximum flavor in every bite while staying easy to execute at home.
Ingredients
For Ground Turkey
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 tbsp (29.6ml) cooking oil
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp (14.8ml) tomato paste
- 2 tbsp (29.6ml) chicken stock
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) onion powder
- 1 tsp (4.9ml) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (4.9ml) cumin
- 1 tsp (4.9ml) coriander
- ½ tsp (2.5ml) chili powder
- ½ large white onion, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Salsa:
- ½ large white onion, diced
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup (60ml) chopped fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
For the Nachos:
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 2 cups (480ml) grated cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (480ml) grated Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
Methods
- Preheat the oven to 350 F (177 C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Ground Turkey
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground turkey, break up with a spatula, and cook for 4 minutes, or until browned
- Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the onion and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste, stock, and black beans and take off heat.
Make the Salsa:
- Combine the remaining half onion, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Add the tomatoes and cilantro and mix.
Make the Nachos:
- Spread out half the chips on the parchment lined baking sheet. Top with half the ground turkey mixture, half the cheddar cheese, half the Monterey Jack cheese, and half the jalapeños.
- Spread out the remaining chips on top and add the remaining halves of the ground turkey mixture, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and jalapeños
- Place in the oven for about 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
- Add large dollops of sour cream and scatter the salsa over the top.
Serving Suggestions
Loaded turkey nachos are best served immediately, straight from the baking sheet while the cheese is still melty and the chips are crisp. They make an excellent centerpiece for casual dinners, game-day spreads, or movie nights, where everyone can dig in together. Serve with extra lime wedges or additional sour cream on the side for easy customization. These nachos also pair well with simple sides like a green salad or fresh fruit, making them a complete and satisfying meal that feels fun and relaxed.
Final Thoughts
This Loaded Turkey Nachos Recipe proves that comfort food can be both flavorful and approachable. By swapping traditional beef for seasoned ground turkey and layering it with fresh salsa, beans, and plenty of cheese, this dish delivers all the indulgence of classic nachos with a lighter, everyday twist. Quick to prepare and endlessly shareable, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Featured on Everyday Excellent, these loaded turkey nachos capture the spirit of simple, confident cooking—food that feels generous, satisfying, and perfectly suited to real life. Whether you’re feeding family or friends, this recipe brings people together around the table with bold flavors, crunchy textures, and irresistible cheesy goodness.
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