Loaded Mexican Cheesy Beef Nachos
Fresh Salsa and Guacamole

Elevate your snack game with these loaded beef nachos, featuring savory spiced minced beef, gooey melted cheese, and a trio of fresh, homemade toppings.

Ingredients

• 200 g minced beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 12 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 tsp cumin powder
• 12 tsp paprika
• 12 tsp oregano
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 150 ml water or stock
• 1 bag corn tortilla chips
• 100 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 100 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tomato, diced
• 14 red onion, diced
• to taste fresh cilantro
• 1 lime, juiced
• to taste Tabasco sauce
• 1 ripe avocado
• optional pickled jalapeño slices
• to taste sour cream or unsweetened yogurt

Instructions

1. 1Start the beef

   

   Begin by heating a splash of olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the raw minced beef to the pan, using a spatula to break it up as it starts to cook. This ensures the meat browns evenly and develops the right texture for the nacho topping.

   Tip: Allowing the pan to get properly hot before adding the meat helps to achieve a better sear and prevents the beef from steaming in its own juices.
2. 2Cook with onions

   

   As the minced beef begins to brown and release its juices, add the chopped onions to the pan. Stir them into the meat and continue cooking for a few minutes until the onions become soft, translucent, and fragrant.

   Tip: If the onions are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly; the goal is to soften them to release their natural sweetness.
3. 3Season the beef mixture

   

   Add two cloves of minced garlic along with the cumin powder, paprika, and oregano to the browned meat and onions. Stir the mixture well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and fragrant. This layering of spices builds the characteristic savory depth required for the nacho topping.

   Tip: Adding the garlic and dry spices after browning the meat prevents the garlic from burning and allows the spices to bloom in the rendered fat.
4. 4Simmer the sauce

   

   Pour approximately 150 milliliters of water or stock into the pan with the seasoned beef and onions. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving behind a thick, flavorful beef sauce.

   Tip: Simmering helps to tenderize the meat and allows the spices to fully penetrate the beef for a more cohesive flavor profile.
5. 5Mix the tomato salsa

   

   Combine the diced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh cilantro in a clear glass bowl. Add the minced garlic and lime juice, then season with Tabasco, salt, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well incorporated for a fresh, tangy accompaniment to the rich beef nachos.

   Tip: Using fresh lime juice instead of bottled juice will give the salsa a much brighter and more authentic flavor profile.
6. 6Assemble the guacamole

   

   Mash a ripe avocado in a bowl until smooth but slightly chunky. Fold in a few spoonfuls of your fresh tomato salsa and a squeeze of lime juice. Stir well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the guacamole is ready to serve.

   Tip: The lime juice is essential not just for flavor, but also to prevent the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown while you finish the dish.
7. 7Layer the corn chips

   

   Start the assembly of the dish by pouring a layer of triangular corn chips into a black cast-iron skillet. Spread them out to cover the bottom of the pan evenly, creating a sturdy and crunchy foundation for the beef and cheese toppings.

   Tip: Choose thicker corn chips specifically labeled for nachos to ensure they maintain their crunch under the weight of the heavy toppings.
8. 8Add the beef sauce

   

   Carefully spoon the prepared beef sauce over the bed of corn chips in the skillet. Distribute the savory minced meat mixture evenly across the chips, allowing the flavorful juices to soak in slightly for a perfect bite.

   Tip: Ensure the beef sauce has simmered long enough so it isnt too watery; this prevents the corn chips from becoming soggy.
9. 9Sprinkle the cheese

   

   Generously sprinkle a blend of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the beef layer. The cheddar provides a sharp, bold flavor, while the mozzarella ensures a perfect, gooey melt that binds the nachos together as they bake.

   Tip: For the best melting results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged varieties which often contain anti-caking agents.
10. 10Add pickled jalapenos

    

    Use tongs to distribute pickled jalapeno slices across the top of the cheese. Place the skillet into a preheated oven at 180C for about 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden.

    Tip: If you prefer a milder version of the dish you can substitute the jalapenos with mild green chilies or remove the seeds from the slices.
11. 11Top with fresh tomato salsa

    

    After the nachos have finished baking and the cheese is perfectly melted, remove the skillet from the oven. Spoon the freshly prepared tomato salsa directly over the center of the warm chips. The cool salsa provides a bright, acidic contrast to the rich beef and melted cheese.

    Tip: Drain any excess juice from the salsa before adding it to the chips to prevent the nachos from becoming soggy.
12. 12Add a dollop of guacamole

    

    Place a generous scoop of creamy guacamole right in the center of the salsa. The avocado adds a smooth texture and rich flavor that helps balance the heat from the jalapeños. Ensure the guacamole is fresh to maintain its bright green color for the best presentation.

    Tip: Leave the guacamole slightly chunky to provide a rustic texture that complements the crispy corn chips.
13. 13Finish with sour cream

    

    Complete the dish by adding a final dollop of white sour cream or unsweetened yogurt on top of the guacamole. This final topping adds a cool, tangy finish to the loaded nachos, making them ready to serve immediately while still warm.

    Tip: If the sour cream is too thick, whisk it with a teaspoon of lime juice for a thinner consistency that is easier to dollop.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions