The Best Nachos Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef – Provides the protein base for the nachos and adds a rich flavor.
- 1 onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth when cooked with the beef.
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed – Offers a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 can (16 ounces) low-fat refried beans – Helps to bind the other toppings with its smooth and thick consistency.
- 1 large bag of thick corn tortilla chips – Serves as the crunchy foundation for the toppings.
- 2 roma tomatoes, diced – Adds a fresh, juicy component to contrast the richness of the meat and cheese.
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced – Provides a tangy and spicy kick.
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced – Gives a salty and briny note.
- 1 package (8 ounces) shredded cheese, Cheddar or Monterrey Jack – Melts beautifully for a gooey and stretchy topping.
- 2 to 3 green onions, chopped – Adds a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped – Brings a fresh, herby brightness to the dish.
- 1/4 cup salsa – Introduces a zesty flavor and moistens the mixture slightly.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cumin, to taste – Imparts a warm, earthy spice that complements the beef.
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder, to taste – Adds depth and a mild heat.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Enhances all the flavors of the nachos.
- Sour cream, extra salsa, and guacamole for serving – These sides offer creamy, zesty, and rich dips that complement every bite.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), setting it to either bake or convection bake, depending on your oven type.
- Cook the ground beef and onions: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion, cooking until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions are soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Season the meat: As the beef cooks, season it with salt, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Adjust these spices as per your taste preference. Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from being too oily.
- Add beans and salsa: Mix in the black beans and refried beans into the skillet along with 1/4 cup of salsa. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and heated through. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Prepare the nacho base: Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet, ensuring they overlap slightly to hold the toppings.
- Assemble the nachos: Spoon the beef and bean mixture evenly over the chips. Scatter the diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, black olives, and the white parts of the chopped green onions over the beef. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
- Bake the nachos: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Add final toppings: Once baked, remove the nachos from the oven and sprinkle with the green parts of the green onions and chopped cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Serve immediately: Accompany the nachos with bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole. This allows everyone to customize their portion with their preferred toppings.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Best Nachos, perfect for a family night or entertaining friends!
