When it comes to hosting a casual get-together, game night, or simply spicing up a family dinner, nothing beats the classic appeal of Beef Nachos Supreme. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, known for its perfect blend of crunchy tortilla chips loaded with flavorful ground beef, melted cheese, and a medley of fresh toppings. It’s a versatile recipe that allows for numerous variations and substitutions to cater to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
Choosing the Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier choice. However, a slightly fattier beef can also be used for more flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider substituting with black beans or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Taco Seasoning: While store-bought taco seasoning is convenient and works great, you can also make your own blend at home with spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for a fresher taste and to control the salt content.
- Tortilla Chips: The foundation of this dish. Choose thick and sturdy chips that can hold up the weight of the toppings without getting soggy. Baked tortilla chips can be used for a lighter version.
- Cheese: A mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese provides a nice balance of flavor and meltiness. For a spicier kick, pepper jack cheese is a great alternative. For a dairy-free version, there are several vegan cheese options available that melt well.
- Toppings: Fresh Roma tomatoes and green onions add a burst of freshness. You can also include other toppings like jalapeños, black olives, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with grilled chicken, turkey, or even pulled pork for variety. For a seafood twist, try shrimp.
- Beans: For added fiber and protein, include black beans or pinto beans in the meat mixture or as an additional layer.
- Sauce Options: Drizzle with guacamole, salsa, or a creamy cilantro-lime sauce for extra flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by adding more or less of red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or opting for a spicy cheese.
- Gluten-Free Needs: Ensure the tortilla chips are gluten-free if catering to those with gluten sensitivities.
- Healthy Twist: Lighten up the dish by using ground turkey or chicken, low-fat cheese, and adding more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or lettuce.
This Beef Nachos Supreme is not just about tantalizing taste buds; it’s about bringing people together over a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own – that’s the beauty of cooking!
Beef Nachos Supreme Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 packet of taco seasoning mix or equivalent homemade mixture
- 1 lb of lean ground beef
- 1/2 of a medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 32 oz of thick tortilla chips
- 1 can of refried beans
- 16 oz of mixed shredded cheeses (such as cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 3 medium Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2 to 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is well-browned and the onions are translucent, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Return the beef mixture to the skillet and add the taco seasoning. Mix in about 3/4 cup of water, bring to a low simmer, and let it cook until most of the liquid has evaporated, roughly 5 minutes.
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and arrange a layer of tortilla chips on each.
- Dollop refried beans onto the chips. As the beans warm in the oven, they will spread over the chips.
- Distribute the seasoned beef evenly over the chips.
- Generously sprinkle the shredded cheese blend over the beef and chips.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped Roma tomatoes and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes:
- Ensure that you use sturdy, thick tortilla chips to hold up the toppings. A quality brand like Kirkland’s organic tortilla chips is recommended.
- This recipe is designed for entertaining a larger group. If serving a smaller group of about 4 to 6 people, consider halving the recipe. Adjust the ingredient measurements accordingly to suit the number of servings.