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A delicious plate of Loaded Shrimp & Beef Nachos

Loaded Shrimp & Beef Nachos

These nachos are loaded with succulent shrimp and seasoned beef, layered over cheesy Doritos and topped with fresh ingredients for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 710

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Layer
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 60 ml water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp lime juice
For the Nacho Base
  • 1 large bag Doritos
  • 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 0.5 cup nacho cheese sauce
Fresh Toppings
  • 1 piece Roma tomato, diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 0.25 cup sliced pickled jalapeños
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 drizzle sour cream or crema

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Oven-safe platter or baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 6–8 minutes).
  3. Drain excess grease.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and ¼ cup water. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened and fully coated. Set aside.
  5. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
  6. Toss shrimp in olive oil, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  7. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the shrimp for about 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred around the edges.
  8. Remove from heat and squeeze over a bit of lime juice if desired.
  9. On a large oven-safe platter or baking sheet, spread out a generous layer of Doritos chips.
  10. Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the chips.
  11. Add a layer of shredded cheese, making sure it covers most of the chips and beef.
  12. If using nacho cheese sauce, drizzle some over the top for extra creaminess.
  13. Bake or broil briefly (3–5 minutes at 375°F / 190°C) — just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  14. Once the nachos come out of the oven, top immediately with the cooked shrimp.
  15. Sprinkle over diced tomatoes, red onions, jalapeño slices, and chopped cilantro.
  16. Add a drizzle of sour cream or Mexican crema for a finishing touch.

Notes

Serve hot right away — the shrimp should still be slightly warm and the cheese gooey. Add a side of guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa verde for dipping. For extra richness, drizzle a bit more melted cheese or a spicy chipotle mayo over the top before serving.