Nachos are a favourite Mexican inspired dish that has become a popular staple for family gatherings and casual Friday dinners. This snack was first made in Northern Mexico in the 1940s and quickly became a popular snack.
Traditionally, nachos consisted of tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapenos, creating a mouthwatering blend of flavours and textures. It has evolved into a meal with seasoned meats, rich cheeses, guacamole, sour cream and salsa.
It’s no secret that nachos are one of the most popular Friday night meals among families. This recipe is very simple to assemble and can be customised in many ways. Served with crispy tortilla chips, spiced beef, and a tasty mix of toppings, this meal is perfect for sharing around the table. This tasty snack is perfect for two people or for a whole family.
Nachos Tips
- Choose the Right Chips: Use thick tortilla chips to avoid them becoming soggy under the toppings.
- Cook the Beef with Flavour: Add spices like cumin, paprika and chilli powder to give the beef a delicious, bold taste.
- Layer for Best Results: Start with a layer of chips, then beef and cheese. Repeat for a multi-layered nacho experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, coriander, and avocado make a world of difference.
- Add a Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth topping.
- Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed right after baking, as the chips will retain their crunch.
- Customise Your Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, jalapeños, and spring onions are fantastic add ons for extra flavour.
Ingredients
- 250g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (red or brown), finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips
- 200g shredded cheddar cheese
- 100g shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 large tomato, diced
- Fresh coriander, chopped
- 100ml sour cream
- Jalapeño slices (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced).
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Season the Meat: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder, salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fragrant, about 5–7 minutes.
- Assemble the Nachos: On a large oven safe platter or baking sheet, spread a layer of tortilla chips. Spoon half the cooked beef over the chips and sprinkle with a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat to create layers.
- Bake: Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Carefully remove the nachos from the oven and add the diced avocado, tomato, fresh coriander, and jalapeño slices (if using).
- Serve with Dips: Drizzle with sour cream or serve it on the side for dipping.
These nachos are the perfect dish for a relaxed family Friday night! This recipe is great for adding your family’s favourite toppings and is sure to become a go-to weekend treat.
For more easy crowd-pleasers, try these:
Birria Tacos
Baked Apple Chips
For more information on buying the right cheese for you, we recommend you read this review: Cheese Review.
