Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ¾ pound ground chicken or ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 8 ounces tortilla chips (thicker chips work best)
- 10 ounces sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese, grated (about 2.5 cups)
- ½ small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
- ¾ cup fresh salsa
- 1 avocado, chopped
- Fresh cilantro, pickled jalapeños, and sour cream for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lining a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper will help prevent the nachos from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Cook the Meat Mixture
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for about 2 minutes until they start to soften.
Add the ground chicken or beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
Stir in the black beans and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes until they are heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Nachos
Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to use a single layer so that each chip gets a good amount of toppings.
Spoon the cooked meat and bean mixture over the chips, distributing it evenly. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, making sure to cover as many chips as possible.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the chips are lightly toasted.
Keep a close eye on the nachos to ensure they do not overcook. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove them from the oven.
Step 5: Add Fresh Toppings
Immediately after removing the nachos from the oven, top them with shredded lettuce, fresh salsa, chopped avocado, cilantro, and pickled jalapeños. Finish with a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
How to Prevent Soggy Nachos
One of the biggest mistakes when making nachos is ending up with soggy chips. To avoid this:
- Use thicker tortilla chips, as they hold up better under toppings.
- Bake the chips for 5 minutes before adding toppings to help crisp them up.
- Drain excess liquid from toppings like salsa and beans before adding them.
Ensuring the Meat is Cooked Properly
If using ground chicken or beef, make sure it is cooked all the way through. Ground chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), while ground beef should be cooked to at least 160°F (71°C). A meat thermometer can help ensure accuracy.
Layering for Maximum Flavor
To ensure every bite has a good mix of flavors, consider layering the ingredients in two rounds. Add half the chips, meat, and cheese, bake for a few minutes, then add the remaining layers and finish baking. This ensures that even the bottom chips get plenty of toppings.
Time-Saving Tips
- Use Pre-Shredded Cheese: While freshly grated cheese melts better, pre-shredded cheese is a great time-saver.
- Pre-Cut Toppings: Chopping toppings like lettuce and avocado in advance will make the assembly process quicker.
- Prepare Meat in Advance: The cooked meat mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply reheat before using.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes