Pruitt's Bar Nachos Recipe

preheat and prepare chips

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread tortilla chips in an even single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, tossing gently to coat so chips crisp evenly.

cook beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until it begins to brown, about 4–5 minutes.

sauté aromatics

Add the diced onion and continue cooking until the onion is soft and beef is mostly browned, about 3–4 minutes more. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

season and simmer

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices. Pour in 1/4 cup beef broth (or water), scrape up any browned bits, and simmer until liquid has mostly reduced and mixture is thick, about 2–3 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat and keep warm.

make roux

In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1–2 minutes to form a blond roux but not brown it.

add milk

Slowly whisk in 1 cup whole milk, steady whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, whisking often, until mixture thickens and just begins to simmer, about 3–5 minutes.

melt cheeses

Reduce heat to low. Remove pan from direct heat for 30 seconds then add 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack a handful at a time, whisking until smooth before adding more. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (optional), 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Keep cheese sauce warm over the lowest heat, stirring occasionally. If sauce becomes too thick, stir in up to 1–2 tablespoons milk to loosen.

layer chips and toppings

Arrange half of the prepared chips in an even layer on the baking sheet or oven-safe platter. Spoon half of the seasoned beef over the chips in an even layer, then drizzle about one-third of the cheese sauce over the top. Add the remaining chips, top with remaining beef, and drizzle remaining cheese sauce over everything so chips are well coated.

bake to meld

Place the loaded nachos in the preheated 375°F oven and bake 6–8 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges of chips are just toasted. Watch closely so chips do not burn.

add fresh toppings

Remove nachos from oven. Immediately scatter pickled jalapeños, diced tomato, sliced black olives (if using), and sliced green onions over the top. Dollop sour cream and guacamole in several spots or serve on the side. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and squeeze lime wedges over to taste.

serve

Serve hot on the baking sheet or transfer to a large platter. Provide extra hot sauce, sour cream and lime wedges at the table. Leftovers can be kept separately (chips and toppings) and reheated briefly with cheese re-melted.