Delicious layers of chips, gooey cheese and toppings that are baked to perfection in the oven. These easy baked nachos take less than 20 minutes and are the perfect appetizer, lunch or dinner!
In the bottom of a large cast-iron skillet, pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce. Spread the refried beans over the top and add a little salt and pepper, if desired. Sprinkle on a little bit of cheese, about 1/2 cup.
Add a layer of 1/3 of the tortilla chips with another layer of cheese, about 3/4 cup. Bake for a couple minutes in the oven if desired to melt the cheese.
Repeat with remaining chips and cheese so that there are 3 layers of chips and the top layer is cheese. Drizzle 2 to 3 Tablespoons enchilada sauce over the top if desired. Bake 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is hot and bubbly.
Top with your favorite toppings just before serving. My favorites are guacamole and pico de gallo. Serve immediately.
Notes
Variations: To make this a hearty meal, you can add a layer of shredded chicken or taco meat.Shred your own cheese. Don't use the pre-shredded bags. Buy a block of cheese and grate your own. The bags of pre-shredded cheese have extra additives that make it harder for them to melt. If you want that ooey gooey cheesy perfection, grate it yourself.Chips. Make sure you use chips that are thick, so that they don't break and remain sturdy to hold all the toppings. You can even make your own homemade tortilla chips to take the baked nachos up a notch.Bake the base first. Layer on the base ingredients (chips, cheese, beans and enchilada sauce) and bake those first. Then once out of the oven, add the other toppings (like salsa, guacamole, jalapeños) so that they stay fresh.