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The Classics: Loaded Beef Nachos

The Classics: Loaded Beef Nachos are the most basic, but most delicious, nachos you'll ever make and eat. Crispy tortilla chips topped with homemade queso, seasoned beef and black beans, and then loaded with guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, cilantro, and scallions! Perfect for a crowd!
Servings 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground sirloin
  • 1 large yellow onion finely diced, divided
  • 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock or water
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Pepper jack cheese
  • 2 medium ripe avocados
  • 4 medium tomatoes diced (divided)
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped (divided)
  • 1 large jalapeño seeded and finely diced (divided)
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 10 ounces tortilla chips
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions

Instructions

  • To make the seasoned ground beef, place a large skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil. Once hot, add the beef and begin breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is no longer pink, and it begins to brown, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add in half of the onions, and cook until they soften, about 2 to 3 minutes longer. Stir in the black beans, taco seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper, tomato paste and chicken stock or water. Stir until well incorporated and let cook until the liquid has evaporated. Lower flame and keep warm.
  • To make the cheese sauce, set a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Add in the butter, and once melted, whisk in the flour. Cook for about 30 seconds. Then slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 10 minutes. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the cheeses until fully melted through. You can keep warm by covering. If the sauce gets cold, return to a very low heat, stirring often until warmed through.
  • To make the guacamole and pico de gallo, divide the remaining onion between two bowls. Divide the tomato, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, salt and pepper between the two bowls as well. Give the pico de gallo a stir and adjust seasoning as needed. Then add the avocado to the second bowl and mash with a fork until everything is well incorporated. Give the guacamole a taste and adjust the seasoning as well. The guacamole and pico de gallo can be made up to 4 hours in advance and kept in airtight containers until ready to use!
  • To assemble the nachos, pile the tortilla chips onto plates or one large platter. Spoon as much of the warm cheese sauce as you'd like over the chips, and then top with the seasoned beef and black beans. Then add whichever toppings you'd like! I love guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, scallions, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and of course some cold beer and you're good to go. Enjoy!
Author: The Candid Appetite