Loaded Nachos (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 tbsp chili powder mix.
02 -
1 1/2 tsp sea salt.
03 -
1 tsp powdered garlic.
04 -
1 tsp powdered onion.
05 -
1 tsp ground cumin spice.
06 -
1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves.
07 -
1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
08 -
Tiny bit of cayenne pepper (if you want heat).
09 -
1 tsp cooking oil.
10 -
1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat).
11 -
16 ounces (2 cups) mushy beans, from can or scratch.
12 -
1/4 cup water amount.
13 -
1 big bag crunchy tortilla chips.
14 -
4 ounces shredded cheddar (roughly 2 cups), with extra for topping.
15 -
4 ounces grated Colby Jack (about 2 cups), with extra for sprinkling.
16 -
1 cup chunky tomato salsa, bought or homemade, plus extra for serving.
17 -
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro leaves.
18 -
1 sliced jalapeño (pickled or fresh works).
19 -
Extra stuff to add: Smashed avocado, Spicy sauce, Tangy cream, Sliced olives, Chopped green onions, Torn lettuce, Sweet corn kernels, Spicy sauce drops.
# Instructions:
01 -
Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C) so it's nice and warm when you need it.
02 -
Throw together your flavor boosters in a little bowl - the chili powder, sea salt, powdered garlic, powdered onion, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne if you're feeling spicy.
03 -
Grab a big pan and heat up the oil till it looks shiny. Toss in your ground beef with all those spices you mixed. Break up the meat as it cooks and let it brown for about 8 minutes. Then dump out the extra fat.
04 -
Put the cooked meat back in the pan. Mix in your mushy beans and splash in the water. Cook everything until it's warm and smooth. Keep it on low heat while you work on the rest.
05 -
Spread your tortilla chips across a big 13x18-inch oven-safe tray, making sure they slightly overlap. Pop them in your hot oven for about 5 minutes until they smell amazing.
06 -
Take the hot tray out carefully and scatter half your shredded cheese over those warm chips. The chips' heat will start melting it all.
07 -
Now spoon your meat and bean mix over those cheesy chips. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top and stick it back in the oven. Let it bake another 5 minutes till all the cheese gets melty.
08 -
Finally, scatter your chunky salsa, fresh cilantro, and jalapeño slices all over. Add whatever other toppings you love. Serve it right away while it's still hot and gooey.
# Notes:
01 -
These nachos won't taste good later, so just make what you'll eat right away.
02 -
Don't try warming up nachos with tangy cream on them, they'll just get mushy.