Listen, I know what you’re thinking—nachos are just chips and cheese, right? Wrong. These Shrimp and Beef Nachos are the ultimate game-changer for your next party or lazy Sunday football binge. I stumbled onto this combo during a desperate fridge raid when friends showed up unannounced, and now it’s my go-to crowd-pleaser. The magic happens when juicy shrimp meets savory beef, all smothered in a spicy cheese sauce that’ll make you forget store-bought nachos ever existed. Trust me, once you try this surf-and-turf twist on classic nachos, you’ll never go back to basic toppings again. The best part? It comes together faster than the pre-game show!
Why You’ll Love These Shrimp and Beef Nachos
Oh, where do I even start? These nachos aren’t just food—they’re an experience. Here’s why they’ll become your new obsession:
- Speed demon: Ready in under 35 minutes (faster than halftime!)
- Flavor bomb: Smoky paprika shrimp + savory beef = tastebud fireworks
- Crowd magnet: I’ve seen grown adults fight over the last chip
- Spice control: Dial the heat up or down with hot sauce
- Texture heaven: Crunchy chips, melty cheese, juicy shrimp—every bite sings
Seriously, these nachos make ordinary party snacks look sad. Your guests will beg for the recipe!
Ingredients for Shrimp and Beef Nachos
Okay, let’s talk ingredients – this is where the magic starts! I’m pretty flexible with substitutions (more on that later), but here’s what makes my signature nachos sing:
- The Main Event:
- 1 bag Doritos or tortilla chips (cool ranch is my guilty pleasure)
- ½ lb ground beef (80/20 for perfect juiciness)
- ½ lb shrimp, peeled & deveined (size 31/40 works great)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for sautéing those shrimp)
- The Flavor Brigade:
- ½ green bell pepper, diced (about ½ cup)
- ¼ onion, diced (yellow or white, your call)
- 1 tsp each garlic powder and smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste (I’m generous with both)
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional but pretty)
- Cheese Sauce Goodness:
- 2 tbsp butter (real butter only, please!)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack (or mix both!)
- ½ tsp chili powder + ¼ tsp cumin (the spice dynamic duo)
- Dash of hot sauce (I use Cholula, but you do you)
See? Nothing crazy – just good, honest ingredients that play together beautifully. Now let’s get cooking!
Equipment You’ll Need
Don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy gadgets for these nachos! Just grab:
- A large skillet (for that glorious beef and shrimp)
- A medium saucepan (cheese sauce HQ)
- A whisk (lumps are the enemy!)
- A big serving platter (this is a showstopper!)
That’s it—now let’s make some magic!
How to Make Shrimp and Beef Nachos
Alright, let’s get down to business! Making these nachos is easier than remembering your team’s roster, but I’ll walk you through every delicious step. Just follow along and you’ll be snacking like a champ in no time.
Cooking the Beef and Shrimp
First things first – let’s tackle the proteins. Grab your skillet and crank it to medium heat. Toss in your diced onions and bell peppers with a pinch of salt – we want them softened but still with some crunch, about 3 minutes should do it. Now add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon like you’re mad at it (gets out all the game-day aggression!). Sprinkle in that garlic powder and smoked paprika – trust me, these are your flavor MVPs. Cook until the beef’s browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if needed.
Meanwhile, in another pan, heat your oil or butter over medium-high. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and another pinch of paprika – they should look like little orange jewels. Cook them just until they turn pink and curl up, about 2 minutes per side. Don’t overcook or they’ll get rubbery! Set both aside while we make the star of the show…
Preparing the Spicy Cheese Sauce
This is where the magic happens! Melt butter in your saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute – this is your roux, the glue that holds everything together. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly (yes, your arm will get tired – consider it pre-game warmup!). Keep whisking until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes.
Now reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time. Patience is key here – let each batch melt before adding more. Once smooth, hit it with chili powder, cumin, and that optional hot sauce (I usually add a few extra dashes because I like living dangerously). Taste and adjust seasonings – want more kick? Add more hot sauce. Too spicy? A splash more milk will calm it down.
Assembling the Shrimp and Beef Nachos
Time for the grand finale! Spread chips on your serving platter – I like to use a mix of whole chips around the edges and broken ones in the middle (more surface area for toppings!). Scatter the beef mixture evenly, then arrange those beautiful shrimp on top. Now pour that luscious cheese sauce over everything – don’t be shy, really drench those chips!
Pro tip: If you want extra crispiness, pop the whole platter under the broiler for 1-2 minutes (watch closely – it goes from golden to burnt fast!). Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately while everything’s hot and melty – these nachos wait for no one!
Tips for Perfect Shrimp and Beef Nachos
Listen, I’ve made enough nacho disasters to know these tricks make all the difference:
- Drain that beef fat! Nobody wants soggy chips swimming in grease
- Fresh shrimp only – frozen works in a pinch, but fresh gives that sweet, snappy bite
- Serve IMMEDIATELY – these are at peak deliciousness for about 7.3 minutes (I timed it)
- Double the cheese sauce if you’re feeding a crowd (trust me, they’ll drink it)
- Broiler trick: 90 seconds gives you that perfect chip-to-cheese crispiness
There you go – nacho wisdom earned through many messy (but delicious) trials!
Variations for Shrimp and Beef Nachos
Oh, the possibilities! Here’s how I mix it up when I’m feeling adventurous:
- Protein swap: Try chorizo instead of beef, or grilled chicken with the shrimp
- Cheese madness: Swap in queso fresco or smoked gouda for a twist
- Heat seekers: Toss in pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha mayo
- Veggie boost: Black beans, corn, or avocado make it heartier
The beauty? These nachos forgive experimentation beautifully—have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
These nachos scream “party food” – perfect for game day, backyard BBQs, or anytime you want to impress. Serve with classic sides like chunky guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and cool sour cream for dipping. I always put out extra hot sauce and lime wedges too – let guests customize their perfect bite!
Storage and Reheating
Okay, real talk – these nachos are best eaten fresh, but if you must save some (why?!), store the components separately. Keep shrimp and beef in airtight containers for 2 days max. The cheese sauce? Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring it back to life. When ready, assemble fresh chips with toppings and broil for 1 minute – never microwave unless you want sad, soggy nachos!
Nutritional Information
Okay, let’s be real – these are indulgent party nachos, not health food! But since you asked, here’s the scoop (all values per serving):
- Calories: About 610 (worth every bite!)
- Protein: 32g (thanks, beef and shrimp!)
- Fat: 34g (14g saturated – blame the glorious cheese)
- Carbs: 42g (mostly from those delicious chips)
Remember, these are estimates – actual numbers depend on your exact ingredients and how generously you pour that cheese sauce (no judgment here!). For lighter options, try reduced-fat cheese or baked chips. But honestly? Sometimes you just gotta live a little!
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve gotten so many questions about these shrimp and beef nachos over the years – here are the big ones that keep coming up:
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! Just add them at the very end to warm through – no need to cook them again or they’ll turn rubbery. I still prefer raw shrimp for that perfect snap, but pre-cooked works in a pinch.
How do I make these nachos less spicy?
Easy fixes! Skip the hot sauce in the cheese sauce, use mild cheddar instead of pepper jack, and reduce the chili powder by half. You can always add more heat later with hot sauce on the side.
What’s the best chip for loaded nachos?
Thicker tortilla chips hold up better than thin ones, but honestly? I love using Doritos for extra flavor – the cool ranch or nacho cheese varieties are my go-tos. Just don’t tell the nacho purists!
Can I prep components ahead for a party?
You bet! Cook the beef and shrimp, make the cheese sauce, and store separately. When guests arrive, just reheat everything (add milk to the sauce if it thickens too much) and assemble fresh.
35-Minute Shrimp and Beef Nachos That Steal The Show
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A loaded party snack featuring shrimp, beef, and a spicy cheese sauce on crunchy nachos. Perfect for game nights or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 bag of Doritos or tortilla chips (your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb shrimp (peeled & deveined)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 onion, diced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
- For the Spicy Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- Dash of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef with diced onion, bell pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the shrimp in a separate pan with oil or butter, salt, pepper, and paprika until pink.
- Make the cheese sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, adding milk, and stirring until thickened. Add cheese, chili powder, cumin, and hot sauce.
- Layer chips on a plate, top with beef, shrimp, and pour over cheese sauce. Garnish with parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce.
- Use any favorite tortilla chips or Doritos flavor.
- For a crispier texture, broil the assembled nachos for 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 180mg