Mexican Fiesta Nachos

Ingredients

• 1 bag (10 oz / 280g) tortilla chips 1 bag (10 oz / 280g) tortilla chips
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans for a vegetarian option 1 lb (450g) ground beef or 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans for a vegetarian option
• 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (120g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup (120g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 small onion, diced 1 small onion, diced
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 1 tomato, diced 1 tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream 1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60ml) salsa 1/4 cup (60ml) salsa
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder 1 teaspoon (5g) chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cumin 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and jalapeno pepper, and sauté until they become soft and translucent.
3. 3.
   If using ground beef, add it to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat. If using black beans, add them to the skillet and cook until heated through.
4. 4.
   Season the meat or beans with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. 5.
   Arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tortilla chips.
7. 7.
   Spoon the seasoned meat or beans over the cheese layer.
8. 8.
   Top with the remaining cheese and place the baking sheet or dish in the preheated oven.
9. 9.
   Bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. 10.
    While the nachos are baking, prepare the salsa by combining the diced tomato, chopped cilantro, and salsa in a bowl. Mix well.
11. 11.
    Once the nachos are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
12. 12.
    Drizzle the sour cream over the nachos and garnish with the prepared salsa.
13. 13.
    Serve immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Tortilla chips — Choose high-quality tortilla chips that are sturdy enough to hold the toppings without becoming soggy.
• Ground beef — Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Salsa — Use a chunky salsa with a good balance of acidity and spiciness to complement the nachos.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add sliced jalapenos or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on top of the nachos before baking.
• Customize the toppings to your preference by adding sliced black olives, diced avocado, or pickled jalapenos.
• To make the dish more substantial, add a layer of refried beans between the cheese and the meat or beans.
• Serve the nachos with a side of guacamole or queso dip for dipping.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy and Cheesy Fiesta Nachos immediately after baking while the cheese is still gooey and the tortilla chips are crispy. Provide small plates or bowls for individual servings to make it easier for guests to enjoy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the nachos on a large platter, ensuring that each chip is loaded with toppings and cheese. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. Serve the homemade salsa in a separate bowl on the side for dipping or drizzling over the nachos.