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Skillet Nachos Recipe: Easy and Delicious Snack

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Skillet Nachos

Skillet nachos are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a flavorful snack or meal. With ingredients like ground beef, cheese, and tortilla chips, you can create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. The best part is that you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings like tomatoes, corn, and beans.

Imagine the sizzle of ground beef cooking in a skillet, seasoned perfectly with taco spices. The layers of crispy chips and gooey melted cheese make each bite a delight. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something tasty, skillet nachos are a great choice.

Give your next meal a fun twist with this easy recipe. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a plate of nachos that’s sure to please everyone. Get ready to dig in and enjoy!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here are the ingredients you need for making skillet nachos, along with some possible substitutes.

Tortilla Chips:

  • Use your favorite brand.
  • Substitute: Baked chips for a healthier option.

Ground Beef:

  • About 1 pound.
  • Substitute: Ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.

Taco Seasoning:

  • 1 packet or 2 tablespoons.
  • Substitute: Make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika.

Cheese:

  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar or a blend.
  • Substitute: Any meltable cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack.

Onions:

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
  • Substitute: Green onions or shallots.

Garlic:

  • 2-3 cloves, minced.
  • Substitute: Garlic powder.

Cilantro:

  • Fresh cilantro for topping.
  • Substitute: Parsley if you don’t like cilantro.

Black Beans:

  • 1 can, drained and rinsed.
  • Substitute: Pinto beans or no beans if preferred.

Corn:

  • 1 cup of frozen corn, thawed.
  • Substitute: Canned corn, drained.

Jalapeños:

  • Sliced jalapeños for some heat (optional).
  • Substitute: Mild green chilies for less heat.

Sour Cream:

  • For serving.
  • Substitute: Greek yogurt.

Tomatoes:

  • Chopped fresh tomatoes.
  • Substitute: Salsa or canned diced tomatoes.

Lime:

  • Fresh lime wedges for squeezing.
  • Substitute: Lemon wedges for a slight twist.

These ingredients and substitutes will help you make a delicious skillet nachos meal! Enjoy!

Instructions

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Tortilla chips
  • Shredded cheese
  • Optional toppings: beans, corn, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole

  1. Preheat Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).



  2. Cook the Beef:
    Heat a cast iron skillet on medium. Cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Once browned, add chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue to cook until the beef is fully done.



  3. Layer the Chips:
    Spread a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the skillet. Make sure they overlap and cover the skillet fully.



  4. Add Toppings:
    Spread half the cooked beef over the chips. Add half of your chosen toppings such as beans, corn, and jalapeños. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese.



  5. Repeat Layers:
    Repeat steps 3 and 4—another layer of chips, beef, toppings, and cheese.



  6. Bake:
    Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.



  7. Serve Hot:
    Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it cool slightly and serve hot. Add any extra toppings like sour cream or guacamole if desired.


Enjoy your delicious skillet nachos!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Tips

  • Layering is Key: Start with a single layer of chips. Add your toppings evenly. Repeat for the best results.
  • Cheese: Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack for added flavor. Shred your cheese for better melting.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: More isn’t always better. Too many toppings can make your nachos soggy.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salsa, guacamole, and veggies make a big difference in taste.

Tricks

  • Preheat the Oven: Always preheat to the right temperature. Most recipes suggest 400°F to 450°F.
  • Crispy Chips: Spread the chips evenly in a single layer. Only slightly overlap them.
  • Warm-Up Before Serving: Warm up your nachos a bit in the oven before serving if they’ve been out for a while.
  • Broil for Crispy Edges: Broil for a minute or two at the end to get crispy, browned edges.

Storing

  1. Cool Down: Let the nachos cool completely before storing.
  2. Separate Toppings: Keep toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa separate to avoid sogginess.
  3. Airtight Container: Store the nachos in an airtight container.
  4. Fridge: Keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  5. Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

Enjoy your skillet nachos anytime!

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Skillet nachos are versatile and can be customized to fit your taste. Here are some variations and serving suggestions:

Meat Options

  • Ground Beef: Seasoned with taco spices.
  • Chicken: Shredded or diced, seasoned with taco seasoning.
  • Vegetarian: Use black beans or a mix of beans and veggies.

Cheese Choices

  • Cheddar: Classic and melts well.
  • Monterey Jack: Adds a nice, creamy texture.
  • Pepper Jack: For a bit of heat.

Additional Toppings

  • Veggies: Tomatoes, corn, jalapeños, and bell peppers.
  • Extras: Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

Layering Tips

  1. Chips: Start with a layer of tortilla chips in a cast-iron skillet.
  2. Cheese and Meat: Alternate layers of cheese and your choice of meat or beans.
  3. Bake: When layered, bake until cheese melts (about 5-10 minutes).

Serving Suggestions

  • Party Platter: Serve directly in the skillet for a communal dish.
  • Individual Plates: Portion nachos onto separate plates.
  • Game Day: Perfect for watching sports, with dips on the side.

Mix and match ingredients to create your perfect skillet nachos. Enjoy!

Benjamin Happy Muncher

Hi, I'm Benjamin. I love cooking, long walks, and my girlfriend! Here you’ll find simple and delicious recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less.