The Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe is fun, messy and full of bold flavors. This nacho recipe stacks crispy chips, melty cheese, savory meats and fresh toppings.
It’s a perfect party snack or game day treat. The Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe is easy to make at home and will impress friends and family.
In this guide, you will learn how to make Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe step by step with simple ingredients and tips.
My Experience With This Recipe
I first tried this recipe at home for a weekend game night. It was a huge hit! The layers of chips, cheese and toppings made it exciting to eat. Everyone loved customizing their portions.
The flavors were bold and fun, just like Guy Fieri promised. Making it was easy and cleanup was simple too. This recipe quickly became a family favorite for casual dinners and parties.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Course: Appetizer / Snack
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving

Equipment List
- Large baking sheet or tray
- Oven or broiler
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowls for toppings
Ingredients You Need for Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe
- 8 cups tortilla chips
- 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 small bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Sour cream for topping
- Guacamole for topping
- Salsa for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures chips stay crispy and cheese melts evenly.
2. Cook the Meat
In a skillet, cook ground beef or chicken over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin.
3. Prepare Vegetables
Chop onion, bell pepper and tomatoes. Drain and rinse black beans. Keep ingredients ready for layering.
4. Layer the Chips
Spread half the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. This forms the first layer of the nachos.
5. Add Cheese and Meat
Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chips. Add half of the cooked meat evenly.
6. Add Beans and Veggies
Scatter half of the black beans, chopped onions, bell peppers and tomatoes over the cheese and meat layer.
7. Repeat Layers
Add remaining chips on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese, meat, beans and vegetables evenly over the second layer.
8. Bake the Nachos
Place tray in the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and edges of chips turn golden brown.
9. Add Toppings
Remove from oven. Add sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole and salsa. Serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh, thick tortilla chips for best crunch
- Cook meat fully before adding to nachos
- Layer ingredients evenly so every bite has flavor
- Add extra cheese for a gooier texture
- Customize toppings with olives, corn, or pickled jalapeños
- Serve immediately to keep chips crispy
- Use a large tray to prevent overcrowding
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe is perfect for parties, game nights, or casual family meals. Serve with extra salsa and guacamole. Add a cold drink like soda, iced tea or beer for adults.
It’s fun to serve in a big tray or platter so everyone can pick their favorite pieces. Kids love layering their own toppings, making it interactive and enjoyable.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Fresh pico de gallo
- Mexican rice
- Refried beans
- Corn on the cob
- Simple green salad
- Chips with guacamole
- Queso dip
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to melt cheese again.
Avoid microwaving as chips become soggy. Keep fresh toppings like sour cream, guacamole and salsa separate until ready to serve.

Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 cups tortilla chips
- 1 pound ground beef or shredded chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 small bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Sour cream for topping
- Guacamole for topping
- Salsa for topping
Instructions
Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures chips stay crispy and cheese melts evenly.
Cook the Meat
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or chicken over medium heat. Season with salt, pepper, chili powder and cumin.
Prepare Vegetables
- Chop onion, bell pepper and tomatoes. Drain and rinse black beans. Keep ingredients ready for layering.
Layer the Chips
- Spread half the tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. This forms the first layer of the nachos.
Add Cheese and Meat
- Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chips. Add half of the cooked meat evenly.
Add Beans and Veggies
- Scatter half of the black beans, chopped onions, bell peppers and tomatoes over the cheese and meat layer.
Repeat Layers
- Add remaining chips on top. Sprinkle remaining cheese, meat, beans and vegetables evenly over the second layer.
Bake the Nachos
- Place tray in the oven. Bake for 8–10 minutes until cheese melts and edges of chips turn golden brown.
Add Toppings
- Remove from oven. Add sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole and salsa. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh, thick tortilla chips for best crunch
- Cook meat fully before adding to nachos
- Layer ingredients evenly so every bite has flavor
- Add extra cheese for a gooier texture
- Customize toppings with olives, corn, or pickled jalapeños
- Serve immediately to keep chips crispy
- Use a large tray to prevent overcrowding
FAQs about Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, skip the meat and add extra beans, grilled vegetables or tofu. The flavors stay bold and filling for all.
2. Can I prepare nachos ahead of time?
You can prep meat, beans and vegetables in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.
3. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. You can also use mozzarella or pepper jack for spicier, gooey flavor.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Yes, add jalapeños, hot sauce or red chili flakes. Adjust spice level depending on your taste and family preferences.
5. Can I serve nachos without baking?
Yes, you can layer ingredients cold for a quick snack, but baked nachos give melty cheese and crisp chips for full flavor.
Conclusion
The Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe is fun, bold and perfect for sharing. Now you know how to make Guy Fieri’s Trash Can Nachos Recipe at home with easy steps.
Using fresh ingredients and layers of flavor creates a party-ready dish everyone will love. Try it for your next game night, family dinner or casual gathering. Once you taste it, this recipe will become a go-to snack for fun meals and memorable nights.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.


















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