Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos

Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos Recipe - Traditional Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, the earthiness of black beans, and the sweetness of corn, all layered over crunchy tortilla chips and topped with melted cheese and a dollop of sour cream. This dish is perfect for gatherings, game nights, or even as a fulfilling family dinner. Its versatility allows for various toppings and modifications to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

History

The concept of nachos originated in Mexico in the 1940s, created by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya. The original nachos were simply fried corn tortillas covered with melted cheese and jalapeño peppers. Over the years, nachos have evolved into a popular international dish with countless variations, including the addition of meats, beans, and vegetables. The Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos recipe is a testament to this evolution, incorporating a rich blend of ingredients for a more substantial and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1.5 lb (680 g) ground beef
0.25 cup chili powder
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sugar
2 x 15 oz (425 g) cans black beans, drained
1 x 16 oz (454 g) package frozen corn, thawed
1 x 15 oz (425 g) can tomato sauce
0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
tortilla chips
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
sour cream

How to prepare

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add onion and garlic; sauté until the onion is very tender, about 8 minutes.
Add beef and sauté until brown, breaking it up with the back of a fork, about 5 minutes.
Add chili powder, oregano, and sugar; stir for 30 seconds.
Add beans, corn, and tomato sauce.
Cover and simmer until the beef is cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.
Mix in cilantro and lemon juice.
Season with salt and pepper.
Line 8 serving bowls with tortilla chips.
Spoon the beef mixture over the chips.
Top with cheese and sour cream.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with quinoa or an extra can of black beans. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for more variety and nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best outcome for this recipe, consider the following tips:

- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option, as it reduces the amount of fat in the dish.

- Rinse and drain the black beans to remove excess sodium and improve their flavor.

- For a smokier taste, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the chili powder.

- Freshly grated cheese melts better and more evenly than pre-shredded cheese.

- To keep the tortilla chips from getting too soggy, serve the beef mixture on the side and let everyone build their own nachos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the nachos with additional toppings on the side, such as sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, or salsa, allowing everyone to customize their plate.

Cooking Techniques

For an extra crispy base, bake the tortilla chips in the oven for a few minutes before topping them with the beef mixture. This helps them hold up better under the weight of the toppings.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have chili powder, you can use a mix of paprika, cumin, and a little cayenne pepper as a substitute. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a healthier topping option.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef, black bean, and corn mixture can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to two days. Reheat it before serving and assemble the nachos fresh to maintain the crunch of the tortilla chips.

Presentation Ideas

For a visually appealing presentation, layer the nachos in a large, shallow dish. Spread a layer of chips, followed by the beef mixture, and then sprinkle cheese over the top. Repeat the layers and finish with dollops of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the nachos with a light, crisp beer or a margarita for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish. A simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette can also balance the flavors and add a fresh element.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water if necessary to prevent drying out. Assemble fresh nachos with the reheated mixture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos contains approximately 500-600 calories, making it a satisfying meal option. The exact calorie count can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Carbohydrates

This dish is a good source of carbohydrates, primarily from the tortilla chips, black beans, and corn. Carbohydrates are essential for energy, and this dish provides a balanced amount to fuel your body. The fiber from the beans and corn also aids in digestion and provides a feeling of fullness.

Fats

The fats in this recipe come from the olive oil, ground beef, cheese, and sour cream. Using lean ground beef and a moderate amount of cheese and sour cream can help keep the fat content in check. Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.

Proteins

Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos are rich in proteins, thanks to the ground beef and black beans. Proteins are crucial for building and repairing tissues, making this dish a great post-workout meal option. Opting for lean ground beef enhances the dish's protein content without adding excessive fat.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is packed with vitamins and minerals. The tomatoes, corn, and black beans are excellent sources of vitamins C and A, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients support immune function, vision health, and muscle and nerve function.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (cheese and sour cream) and gluten (some brands of tortilla chips). For those with allergies, dairy-free cheese and sour cream substitutes can be used, and gluten-free tortilla chips are widely available.

Summary

Overall, Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos provide a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a flavorful, satisfying dish that can be adjusted to meet various dietary needs.

Summary

Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos is a versatile, flavorful dish that's perfect for a casual dinner or social gathering. With its rich combination of ingredients and the ability to customize toppings, it's sure to satisfy a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences. By following the tips and variations provided, you can make this dish a staple in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air.

Maria was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of simmering beef and black beans. The sizzle of the meat and the bubbling of the beans filled the room with a comforting sound. I watched in awe as she added a generous amount of cumin, chili powder, and garlic to the mixture, creating a symphony of flavors that danced in my nostrils.

As she worked, Maria explained to me that this recipe had been passed down through her family for generations. It was a dish that had brought them together around the table time and time again, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

I couldn't wait to taste the final product, but Maria still had a few more steps to go. She spread a layer of crispy tortilla chips on a baking sheet and spooned the beef and bean mixture over the top. Next, she sprinkled on a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese and popped the whole thing in the oven to melt and meld together.

While we waited for the nachos to bake, Maria regaled me with stories of her childhood and the countless meals her mother and grandmother had prepared for her. She spoke with such love and reverence for those women who had taught her the art of cooking, and I found myself hanging on her every word.

Finally, the timer dinged, and Maria pulled the nachos out of the oven. The cheese was gooey and bubbly, the beef and beans were hot and savory, and the tortilla chips were perfectly crisp. I couldn't wait to dig in.

As we sat down at the table and grabbed a handful of nachos, I was instantly transported to a place of pure bliss. The flavors of the beef, black beans, and corn mingled together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both comforting and exciting.

Maria watched me with a smile on her face as I devoured the nachos, savoring each bite like it was the last I would ever take. She knew she had created something truly special, and I couldn't help but agree.

After we had finished our meal, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the recipe for Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos. She told me that it was now my turn to carry on the tradition, to share this dish with my own family and friends, and to create memories that would last a lifetime.

And so, I left Maria's kitchen that day with a full belly and a heart bursting with gratitude. I knew that I had been given a gift, not just in the form of a delicious recipe, but in the form of a shared history and a bond that would never be broken.

As I look back on that day now, I can't help but smile. The recipe for Beef, Black Bean, and Corn Nachos has become a staple in my own kitchen, a dish that I turn to time and time again when I want to feel close to the ones I love.

And every time I make those nachos, I think of Maria and the incredible women who came before her, passing down their knowledge and their love one recipe at a time. I am forever grateful for their legacy, and I can only hope that one day I will be able to pass it on to the next generation.