Slow Cooker Nachos | The PERFECT Appetizer or Meal!

Looking for an easy appetizer for a get together? Try these slow cooker nachos. They’re crock pot nachos – so your crock does most of the work!

Slow Cooker Nachos

If you’re looking to feed a group this weekend for a get together, or if you’re just looking for a FUN meal that doesn’t require a lot of work on your part, check out these crock pot nachos.  You can really customize them for your own family, there are oooodles of toppings that you can choose to set out, and it is an absolute crowd pleaser.

The crockpot does most of the work for you, so this is a perfect meal for a busy night too.

LOVE easy meals made in the slow cooker?  Check out our Slow Cooker Volumes 1 and 2 Menu Planning Made Easy sets.  They’ve got 72 recipes PLUS your grocery list included!! 

Slow Cooker Nachos Ingredients: 

• ground beef
• refried beans
• red kidney beans
• tomato paste
• taco seasoning
• salsa
• water
• salt and pepper
• garlic powder
• tortilla chips
• shredded cheese
• toppings
  • lettuce
  • tomato
  • onions
  • green onions
  • salsa
  • sour cream
  • olives
  • avocado
  • whatever else sounds good!

You can even create a to go station if you’re doing this for a party – how fun! 

Here’s how to make crock pot nachos:

Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet and drain off any grease (you don’t want soggy nachos!).  If you have one of the slow cookers that can saute items, you can do the ground beef right in the slow cooker.

Next, add your ground beef, refried beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, taco seasoning, water, and garlic powder to the crockpot.  Add in salt and pepper to your own liking.

Cook on low for 4 – 6 hours or high 2 – 3 hours.

Once your meat mixture is cooked, preheat your oven to 350 degrees and arrange your chips on a large baking sheet.  Spoon your mixture over the chips and top with cheese and tomato.

Bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.  Top with extra toppings and enjoy!

Note – if you don’t want to make this a “bake” and more of just nachos, you can skip the part with heating the chips and melting the cheese in the oven – that just makes it extra delicious! 

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Crock Pot Nachos

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef cooked and drained
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 can red kidney beans undrained
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup water
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• tortilla chips
• Shredded Cheese
• Extra toppings we used lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green onions, salsa and sour cream - really whatever you like!

Instructions

• Brown ground beef in skillet on stove. Drain off any grease.
• Add ground beef, refried beans, kidney beans, tomato paste, taco seasoning, water, and garlic powder to crockpot.
• Cook on low 4-6 hours or high 2-3 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Arrange chips in the bottom of a large baking sheet.
• Spoon meat mixture over tortilla chips.
• Top with cheese and tomato.
• Bake for 10 minutes or until cheese has melted.
• Top with extra toppings, and enjoy!

How do you make nachos so they won’t get soggy?

Make sure that your refrigerated ingredients (tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, guacamole) have come to room temperature before topping your nachos. Also since we are baking the nachos in the oven, that helps keep them crisp too!

What cheese is best to melt for nachos?

Some people swear by using Velveeta brand for nachos (they make shredded cheese now too!), but if you prefer to use regular cheese – the best melted cheeses are cheddar or Monterey jack.  Also if you shred your own cheese versus buying it in the bag it tends to melt a bit better.

Looking for more yummy party friendly recipes? Try these out:

• Buffalo Chicken Dip
• Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme 
• Walking Tacos

If you’re looking for more delicious meals, our Slow Cooker Menu Planning Made Easy sets come with yummy crockpot meals and a weekly grocery list!   You also get lifetime access to our private Facebook group which is full of tips and tricks to make getting dinner on the table each night an absolute breeze.