Epic Beef Nachos Supreme is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and textures, perfect for bringing people together. This dish is inspired by the classic, beloved nachos from fast-food joints but elevated with better quality ingredients and a homemade touch. Whether you’re gearing up for a big game day, hosting a casual get-together, or simply craving a hearty snack, this recipe is your go-to for creating a mouthwatering feast. Each layer of this dish, from the seasoned beef to the melted cheese and fresh toppings, works in harmony to create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
Choosing Ingredients and Cooking Tips:
Ground Beef: Select lean ground beef for a less greasy outcome. The beef should be browned until no pink remains for optimal flavor and safety.
Tortilla Chips: The foundation of any good nacho dish is the chips. Opt for thick and sturdy chips that can hold up the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.
Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese offers a perfect blend of flavor and meltability. Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese like Pepper Jack for a spicy kick or a Mexican cheese blend.
Refried Beans: These add a creamy texture. If you’re not a fan, you can omit them or substitute them with black beans for a different flavor profile.
Toppings: Fresh Roma tomatoes and green onions add a bright, fresh layer to the dish. You can also add diced avocados, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
Making the Dish:
Layering: Proper layering is key. Start with a base of chips, then add beans, seasoned beef, and cheese. This ensures every bite is full of flavor.
Baking: Bake until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on the oven to prevent the chips from burning.
Serving: Serve the nachos immediately after baking to enjoy the contrast of hot, melted cheese with the cool, fresh toppings.
Variations and Substitutions:
Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or seasoned grilled vegetables.
Dairy-Free Nachos: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream substitutes.
Seasoning: If you don’t have taco seasoning, make your own with a blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Salsa and Guacamole: Serve with sides of salsa and guacamole for guests to add to their liking.
Epic Beef Nachos Supreme is a versatile dish that’s open to customization based on your preferences or dietary needs. It’s all about layering flavors and textures for a fun and satisfying eating experience. Dive into this recipe and enjoy the process of creating and sharing a dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- Homemade Taco Seasoning (Alternatively, use one packet of store-bought taco seasoning)
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 diced yellow onion
- 2 packages (16 ounces each) of sturdy tortilla chips
- 1 can of refried beans
- 16 ounces of shredded cheese (preferably a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 3 diced Roma tomatoes
- 2 to 3 sliced green onions
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
On the stovetop, use a skillet to brown the ground beef with the diced onion over medium-high heat. This should take approximately 8 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Return the drained beef and onions to the pan. Evenly sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef. Stir in 3/4 cup of water, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until most of the liquid evaporates, which should take about 5 minutes.
As the beef cooks, prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. Spread a generous layer of tortilla chips on each sheet.
Dollop refried beans onto the chips, distributing half of the can to each sheet. Place spoonfuls of beans across the chips; they will spread out as they heat in the oven.
Divide the seasoned ground beef mixture between the two trays of chips.
Top the beef and chips with the shredded cheese.
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once baked, remove the nachos from the oven and immediately sprinkle the diced tomatoes and sliced green onions over the top.
Serve the nachos supreme while they’re hot and fresh.
Recipe Notes:
Tortilla Chips: Opt for thick and sturdy tortilla chips to hold up the toppings without getting soggy. Thin chips may not withstand the weight of the toppings.
Serving Size: This recipe is ideal for entertaining a large group. If preparing for a smaller gathering (4 to 6 people), you can easily halve the recipe. Adjust the ingredients proportionately to suit the number of servings needed.
Epic Beef Nachos Supreme is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for game days, gatherings, or as a fun family meal. It brings together the savory flavors of taco-seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, melted cheese, and the fresh crunch of tomatoes and green onions, all atop a bed of crispy tortilla chips. Enjoy crafting this deliciously layered dish that’s sure to be a hit at any occasion!