Nachos con Carne

Nachos con Carne

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When it comes to ultimate comfort food, few dishes compare to a plate of Nachos con Carne. This bold and satisfying dish combines crispy tortilla chips, savory ground beef, and a medley of toppings like gooey cheese, zesty salsa, and cool sour cream. Whether you’re hosting a party, making game day snacks, or craving a quick weeknight dinner, nachos con carne can do it all.Nachos con Carne

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  1. Loaded with Flavor – The seasoned beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings make every bite a flavor bomb.

  2. Perfect for Sharing – Great for family dinners, game night, or party appetizers.

  3. Customizable – Add your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to fit any dietary preference.

  4. Quick and Easy to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.

What Is Nachos con Carne?

“Nachos con Carne” translates from Spanish as “nachos with meat.” It’s a popular Tex-Mex dish where crispy tortilla chips are topped with spiced ground beef and typically layered with cheese, beans, jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and more. It’s a cross between a hearty meal and a shareable appetizer.

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic, crowd-pleasing tray of nachos con carne.

For the Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • ¼ cup water or beef broth

For Assembly:

  • 1 bag (10–12 oz) tortilla chips

  • 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

  • ½ cup black beans or refried beans

  • ¼ cup pickled jalapeños

  • 1 tomato, diced

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup guacamole

  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro

  • ¼ cup sliced green onions

  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Timing & Servings

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

  • Total Time: 30 minutes

  • Servings: 4–6 as an appetizer or 2–3 as a main course

Step-by-Step Instructions for Nachos con Carne

Step 1: Prepare the Ground Beef

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.

  3. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.

  4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

  5. Drain excess fat if needed.

  6. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, tomato paste, and water.

  7. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until the meat is well-coated and slightly saucy.

Step 2: Layer the Nachos

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. On a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish, spread out tortilla chips in an even layer.

  3. Spoon cooked beef over the chips.

  4. Add black beans and sprinkle generously with cheese.

Step 3: Bake the Nachos

  • Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.

Step 4: Add Cold Toppings

  • Once out of the oven, top with tomatoes, jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, guacamole, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Nachos con Carne

Tips for Perfect Nachos con Carne

Use Sturdy Chips

Opt for restaurant-style tortilla chips that won’t get soggy or break under toppings.

Shred Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents. Freshly shredded cheese melts better.

Balance Wet and Dry

Use toppings like sour cream and salsa sparingly to prevent sogginess. Add them just before serving.

Make it in Layers

If serving a crowd, layer chips and toppings in two stages to ensure every chip gets some flavor.

Variations to Try

Vegetarian Nachos con Carne

Swap ground beef for seasoned lentils, mushrooms, or meatless crumbles.

Spicy Nachos

Add chipotle peppers, hot sauce, or sliced habaneros for extra heat.

Nachos con Pollo

Use shredded chicken or grilled chicken breast instead of beef for a leaner option.

Loaded Breakfast Nachos

Top with scrambled eggs, bacon, and salsa verde—a hit for brunch or breakfast-for-dinner nights.

Side Dishes to Serve with Nachos

Pair your nachos con carne with:

  • Mexican Rice

  • Elote (Mexican street corn)

  • Fresh garden salad

  • Margaritas or iced hibiscus tea

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Can I Make the Meat Ahead of Time?

Yes! Cook the ground beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.

Storing Leftover Nachos

Nachos are best fresh, but if you have leftovers:

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

  • Reheat in the oven or air fryer to revive crispness.

Nachos con Carne for a Crowd

Hosting a party or game night?

  • Use a large sheet pan or multiple trays for layering.

  • Create a nacho bar: keep chips separate and let guests add toppings as they please.

  • Offer toppings in bowls for customization.

Nutrition Overview (Per Serving Approx.)

Nutrient Amount (Approx.) Calories 400–600 kcal Protein 20–25 g Carbs 30–45 g Fat 25–35 g Fiber 4–6 g Sodium Moderate–High

Note: Values vary based on serving size and toppings.

FAQs

Can I use nacho cheese sauce instead of shredded cheese?

Absolutely. Pour warm cheese sauce over baked nachos instead of melting shredded cheese if preferred.

How do I make nachos low-carb?

Replace tortilla chips with baked zucchini slices, bell pepper strips, or cheese crisps.

Can I use leftover taco meat?

Yes! Leftover taco meat works great and saves time—just reheat and assemble.

What’s the best way to reheat nachos?

Use an oven or air fryer to reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 8 minutes until hot and crispy.

Conclusion

Nachos con Carne are the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and full of bold, satisfying flavors. Whether you serve them as a hearty snack, party appetizer, or casual dinner, they’ll disappear fast!