Super Nachos

Authentic Mexican Super Nachos Recipe with Ground Beef and Avocado

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Super Nachos are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a casual gathering or a cozy night in. Packed with flavorful ingredients like ground beef, refried beans, chilies, and cheese, these nachos are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Nachos are said to have been invented in the 1940s by Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, a Mexican chef. The original nachos were simply tortilla chips topped with melted cheese and jalapeños. Over the years, nachos have evolved to include a variety of toppings, including meat, beans, and vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 medium to large onion, chopped
1 tsp salt
1 can refried beans (14 oz (397 g))
1 can (4 oz (113 g)) green chilies, drained and chopped
0.5 lb (227 g) shredded monterey jack cheese or mild cheddar cheese
0.75 cup taco sauce (try hot)
1 medium avocado, mashed or 6 oz (170 g) pkg. frozen avocado dip
1 cup sour cream
0.25 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup pitted ripe olives, sliced
Tostados round tortilla chips

How to prepare

Brown the beef and onion, crumbling the beef into fine pieces and drain.
Season with salt.
Spread the refried beans in a large shallow ovenproof dish.
Top with the meat mixture.
Sprinkle the green chilies over the beans, then add the cheese.
Drizzle the taco sauce over everything.
If made ahead, cover and chill at this point.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 20 minutes.
Spread the mashed avocado over the mixture, then add the sour cream. Garnish with green onions.
Serve with tortilla chips.
To reheat any leftovers, grate enough cheese to make a new top layer and bake until heated through.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add black beans or corn for extra fiber and flavor.
Top with fresh cilantro or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the beef and onion mixture well to prevent the nachos from becoming soggy.

- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences. You can add ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or black olives.

- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked black beans or lentils.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Super Nachos with a side of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the nachos in the oven ensures that the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the toppings are heated through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.

- Substitute pinto beans for refried beans.

- Use Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the nachos up to the baking step ahead of time. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the nachos on a large platter garnished with sliced green onions and black olives for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Super Nachos pair well with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place the nachos on a baking sheet and bake in a 350°F (177°C) oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Super Nachos contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Super Nachos contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Super Nachos contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Super Nachos contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Super Nachos are a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Super Nachos contain dairy (cheese, sour cream) and gluten (tortilla chips).

Summary

Super Nachos are a delicious and satisfying dish that is relatively high in calories and fat. However, they are also a good source of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Super Nachos are a crowd-pleasing dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a delicious combination of flavors and textures, these nachos are sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I rummaged through my old recipe box. As I flipped through the yellowed index cards and faded scraps of paper, my eyes landed on a small, handwritten note tucked away in the corner. It simply read "Super Nachos".

I couldn't remember where I had gotten this recipe from, but something about it sparked my curiosity. I had never made nachos before, let alone "Super Nachos", but I was determined to give it a try. I gathered all the ingredients listed on the note and set to work in the kitchen.

The recipe called for a base of crispy tortilla chips, topped with a flavorful mix of seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, jalapeños, and a dollop of tangy sour cream. As I followed the instructions, the kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling meat and melted cheese.

As I took my first bite of the finished dish, I was instantly transported back to a time when I was just a young girl, watching my own grandmother cook in the kitchen. She had a way of making even the simplest of dishes taste like a gourmet meal, and I realized that I had inherited her passion for cooking.

Over the years, I had collected recipes from various places and people, each one holding a special memory or story behind it. But there was something about these Super Nachos that struck a chord with me. Maybe it was the simplicity of the dish, or the way it brought back fond memories of my own grandmother. Whatever it was, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire.

I began to experiment with different variations of the Super Nachos recipe, adding my own twists and flavors to make it truly my own. Sometimes I would swap out the ground beef for shredded chicken, or add a sprinkle of cilantro for a burst of freshness. Each time I made the dish, it brought a sense of comfort and nostalgia that I cherished.

One day, I decided to invite my friends over for a Super Nachos night. As they gathered around the table, eagerly digging into the heaping plates of nachos in front of them, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The recipe that had once been a mysterious note in my recipe box had now become a beloved dish among my loved ones.

As the years passed, I continued to make Super Nachos for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on quiet nights at home. Each time I made the dish, I thought of the unknown source of the recipe and silently thanked them for introducing me to this delicious creation.

Now, as I sit in my cozy kitchen, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of cooking, I can't help but smile as I think back to that moment when I found the recipe for Super Nachos. It may have been a small, serendipitous discovery, but it has brought me countless moments of joy and connection with those I love.

And so, I will continue to make these Super Nachos for years to come, passing down the recipe and the memories that come with it to future generations. After all, food has a way of bringing us together, of creating lasting bonds and cherished moments. And for that, I am eternally grateful.