Who doesn’t love a plate of Ultimate Nachos? This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for game days, movie nights, or any gathering where you want to impress. With layers of flavorful toppings and crispy tortilla chips, you can customize it to suit any palate. This recipe takes nachos to the next level, making them not just a snack but a full meal. Crunchy chips, savory beef, creamy toppings, and fresh veggies come together to create a masterpiece that everyone will love.
Reasons to Love Ultimate Nachos
Ultimate Nachos are more than just a delicious snack; they’re a culinary experience! Here are some reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
– **Versatility**: You can easily tailor your nachos to fit any dietary preferences. Want to go vegetarian? Just skip the beef and add extra beans!
– **Flavor Explosion**: The combination of spices, cheese, and fresh toppings creates a flavor profile that’s out of this world.
– **Easy to Prepare**: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these nachos in no time.
– **Perfect for Sharing**: Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a family night, nachos are always a hit. Everyone can dig in and customize their servings.
What You’ll Need
To make the Ultimate Nachos, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup water
- 12 oz bag tortilla chips
- 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained (or pinto beans or refried beans)
- 4 cups grated cheddar cheese (or a mix with Monterey Jack)
- Diced red onion or sliced green onion
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced black olives
- Fresh chopped cilantro leaves
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Jalapeño slices
- Pickled red onion
- Salsa
Recommended Tools
Before you dive into the cooking process, gather the following tools to make your nacho-making experience smoother:
- Skillet: For cooking the ground beef and spices.
- Baking sheet: To layer your nachos and pop them in the oven.
- Spatula: For mixing and spreading ingredients.
- Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot trays!
- Serving platter: For an impressive presentation.
Build Ultimate Nachos Step by Step
Creating the Ultimate Nachos is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect outcome:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir well. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Layer the Chips
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a large baking sheet, spread out the 12 oz bag of tortilla chips in an even layer.
Step 4: Add the Beef and Beans
Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the chips. Then, sprinkle the 15 oz of black beans on top of the beef.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
Generously sprinkle 4 cups of grated cheddar cheese over the chips, beef, and beans. Ensure that the cheese is distributed evenly for the best melt.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Add Fresh Toppings
Once out of the oven, add your fresh toppings: diced red onion or sliced green onion, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, fresh chopped cilantro leaves, diced avocado or guacamole, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, jalapeño slices, and pickled red onion. Drizzle with salsa to finish.
Healthier Substitutions
Looking to make your Ultimate Nachos a bit healthier? Consider these substitutions:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner protein.
- Swap regular cheese for low-fat cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- Replace tortilla chips with baked tortilla chips or even sliced veggies like bell peppers for a low-carb option.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you run into any issues while preparing your Ultimate Nachos, here are some tips to help:
- If your nachos come out soggy, consider baking them a little longer to crisp them up.
- To prevent chips from burning, keep an eye on them while they’re in the oven, especially if you’re using a darker baking sheet.
- If you don’t have some spices on hand, feel free to substitute with your favorite seasoning blends.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice over the toppings before serving.
Storage Pro Tips
If you find yourself with leftover Ultimate Nachos (though that’s rare!), here’s how to store them properly:
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that nachos are best enjoyed fresh, as the chips may become soggy. If you need to reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Helpful Q&A
Can I make Ultimate Nachos ahead of time?
While it’s best to assemble nachos right before serving, you can prepare the beef and chop the toppings ahead of time. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat!
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to season accordingly.
Can I freeze nachos?
It’s not recommended to freeze nachos as the chips will lose their crispiness. However, you can freeze the beef mixture separately and assemble the nachos fresh when you’re ready to eat.
What toppings work best for Ultimate Nachos?
Classic options like jalapeños, olives, and guacamole are great, but feel free to get creative! Try adding pickled jalapeños, pico de gallo, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a unique twist.
Looking for more delicious recipes? Check these out:
Let’s Eat
Ultimate Nachos are here to satisfy every craving, from cheesy goodness to fresh veggies. With this recipe, you can create a stunning platter that will delight your guests and keep everyone coming back for more. So gather your friends, pour some drinks, and dig into those loaded nachos that are just waiting to be devoured!
Ultimate Nachos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet, heat the 2 teaspoons of olive oil or avocado oil over medium heat. Add the 1 lb of lean ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat. Stir in the 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir well. Cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). On a large baking sheet, spread out the 12 oz bag of tortilla chips in an even layer.
- Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture evenly over the chips. Then, sprinkle the 15 oz of black beans on top of the beef.
- Generously sprinkle 4 cups of grated cheddar cheese over the chips, beef, and beans. Ensure that the cheese is distributed evenly for the best melt.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, add your fresh toppings: diced red onion or sliced green onion, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, fresh chopped cilantro leaves, diced avocado or guacamole, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, jalapeño slices, and pickled red onion. Drizzle with salsa to finish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, replace beef with extra beans or tofu.
- Top your nachos with fresh lime juice for a zesty kick!
- Store leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
