The 2026 NCAA Division I men’s and women’s basketball tournaments start in mid-March and continue through early April. That’s a lot of TV time, and you’d better start planning now for how to feed the hungry hordes. Get ready with the culinary arsenal and then work on your brackets.

Whether you’re hosting at home or going to a game watch at a fellow fan’s house, keep in mind that food and basketball are a great match. Certain dishes have long since staked their claim on the game watch dinner and snacking tables, and nachos certainly need no introduction. As this year’s tournaments begin, try this recipe for “Loaded Beef Nachos” courtesy of AllRecipes.com.

Loaded Beef Nachos

Serves 4

Taco Seasoning:

5 teaspoons paprika

1 1/4 teaspoons garlic powder

1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin

1 1/4 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon oregano leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Nachos:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 pound ground beef

1 cup diced onion

1 cup diced green bell pepper

1 10-ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles (such as RO-TEL®)

1 15-ounce can Mexican-style corn (optional)

1 16-ounce can refried beans

1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, or as needed

4 ounces tortilla chips, or as needed

Toppings (optional):

1/2 cup sour cream (optional)

1/2 cup salsa (optional)

1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

1/4 cup green onion

For taco seasoning: Stir paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, chili powder, oregano, and salt together in a small bowl; set aside.

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in onion and green pepper; cook and stir with oil and juices from browned meat until much of the liquid has evaporated, about 2 minutes more.

Stir 1/2 can diced tomatoes with chilies and Mexican-style corn into skillet. Season beef mixture to taste with prepared taco seasoning mix.

Stir together the remaining 1/2 can diced tomatoes with chilies and refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high until heated through, stirring every 30 seconds, 1 to 3 minutes.

To assemble nachos: Lay half of tortilla chips in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, then drop teaspoons of refried beans onto chips, followed by meat mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat with remaining chips, beans, meat, and cheese to make a second layer.

Microwave on high until cheese is melted and nachos are warm, 2 to 3 minutes. Top with sour cream, salsa, olives, jalapeños, and green onion as desired.