Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella, shredded
- Tortilla chips
- Pickled jalapeños (for garnish)
- Cilantro (for garnish)
Seasonings:
- 1 ½ tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp oregano
- ½ tbsp paprika
- ½ tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce (or salt to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, shred the cheese and set it aside. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that make it harder to melt smoothly, so freshly shredded cheese will give the best results. Dice the onions and mince the garlic to ensure smooth preparation while cooking.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat a pan over medium heat and drizzle a small amount of oil. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 30 seconds until they become slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Once the garlic becomes fragrant, add the ground beef. Use a spatula or spoon to break up any clumps, ensuring even cooking. When the beef is halfway cooked, add all the seasonings except the soy sauce and sugar. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly. Continue cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
3. Season the Beef
Once the beef is fully cooked, add the light soy sauce (or salt, if substituting) and sugar. Stir well to incorporate the flavors. At this stage, you can taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Remove Excess Grease (Optional but Recommended)
If the beef has released a lot of grease, push it to one side of the pan and tilt the pan slightly to allow the grease to pool on one side. Use a spoon to transfer the grease to a glass bowl or soak it up with a paper towel. This step helps keep the nachos from becoming too greasy.
5. Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to medium-low and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella over the cooked beef. Cover the pan with a lid and allow the cheese to melt for a few minutes. Once the cheese is fully melted and gooey, turn off the heat.
6. Assemble the Nachos
Arrange tortilla chips on a serving plate. Using a spatula, gently slide the cheesy beef mixture onto the chips, distributing it evenly. Be careful not to overload the chips, as too much topping can make them soggy.
7. Garnish and Serve
Top the nachos with pickled jalapeños and fresh cilantro. For additional toppings, consider adding diced tomatoes, avocado, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melted.
Notes
Cooking Tips
- How to Know When Beef is Cooked: The ground beef should be brown with no pink remaining. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Preventing Burnt Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so it should only be cooked for a short time before adding other ingredients. Stir continuously to prevent sticking.
- Melting Cheese Properly: Keep the heat low when melting cheese to avoid burning. Covering the pan helps trap heat and melt the cheese evenly.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Nachos Turn Out Too Soggy: To prevent soggy nachos, avoid adding too much topping to each chip. Serve immediately after assembling.
- Cheese Does Not Melt Properly: Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged shredded cheese. If the cheese is not melting well, try covering the pan longer to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
- Beef is Too Greasy: Use lean ground beef or drain excess grease using a spoon or paper towel.
Kitchen Efficiency Tips
- Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Chop onions, mince garlic, and shred cheese before starting to cook for a smoother process.
- Using the Right Tools: A non-stick or cast-iron skillet helps cook the beef evenly and prevents sticking. A large spatula makes transferring toppings onto the chips easier.
- Batch Cooking: Make a larger batch of seasoned beef and store leftovers for quick nacho assembly later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes