Nachos Recipe
Make Nachos Recipe in just 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Tortilla & Chips
Cheese Sauce
Protein & Beans
Fresh Toppings
Finishes & Condiments
Method
Tortilla & Chips
- 1
arrange chips
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 8 cups tortilla chips in an even single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet or in a 12-inch oven-safe skillet. If using a layered approach for a large crowd, prepare in two batches or use two pans.
Cheese Sauce
- 2
- 3
add milk
Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk until smooth. Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly (2–3 minutes).
- 4
melt cheeses
Reduce heat to low. Remove pan from direct heat and gradually stir in 1.5 cups grated sharp cheddar and 0.5 cup grated Monterey Jack until melted and smooth. Return to very low heat if needed, stirring constantly—do not boil.
- 5
season cheese sauce
Stir in 0.5 tsp ground cumin, 0.25 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally.
Protein & Beans
- 6
cook beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (1 lb) and break it up with a spatula. Cook about 4–6 minutes until mostly browned.
- 7
add aromatics & seasonings
Add 0.5 cup finely chopped yellow onion and 2 cloves minced garlic to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent. Stir in 1 tsp chili powder, 0.5 tsp ground cumin, 0.75 tsp sea salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Cook another 1–2 minutes to toast the spices.
- 8
add beans & finish
Stir in 1 cup rinsed and drained black beans and cook 1–2 minutes until warmed through and combined. Remove from heat and set aside. If the mixture seems too wet, drain excess grease before adding the beans.
Assembly & Bake
- 9
layer chips and toppings
On the prepared pan of chips, spoon half of the cooked beef-and-bean mixture evenly over the chips. Drizzle about half of the warm cheese sauce over the chips and meat. Sprinkle one-third of the remaining grated cheddar (reserve some) if you want extra melted cheese.
- 10
second layer
Add another even layer of chips on top of the first, then distribute the remaining beef-and-bean mixture. Drizzle the remaining cheese sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle the reserved grated cheese.
- 11
bake
Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 6–8 minutes, until cheese is bubbling and edges of chips are lightly toasted. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Fresh Toppings
- 12
prepare fresh toppings
While nachos bake, combine 1 cup diced Roma tomatoes, 0.25 cup finely diced red onion, 3 tbsp sliced green onions, and 0.25 cup chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Slice 1 jalapeño thinly.
- 13
Finishes & Condiments
- 14
serve
Dollop 0.5 cup sour cream in small spoonfuls over the nachos or serve on the side. Spoon 0.75 cup pico de gallo or salsa over or alongside the nachos. Serve with lime wedges (2) for squeezing over and additional chopped cilantro or green onions as desired.
- 15
tips
For crispier lower chips, place a handful of chips on the platter just before serving. To keep nachos from getting soggy when prepping ahead, keep chips, hot toppings, and cold toppings separate and assemble just before serving.