The Most Awesome Grande Nachos in the World!

I remember summer nights as a kid, sitting on the porch with my cousins, the air thick with humidity and the sound of cicadas. One cousin, bless her heart, was a nacho fanatic. Every gathering, she’d whip up a mountain of chips, beef, and toppings – always insisting on using Trappey’s jalapenos, because “they have the best flavor, not just heat!” The memory of those spicy, cheesy, joyful evenings is forever intertwined with the taste of homemade nachos, and this recipe brings me right back.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 1 large platter
• Dietary Type: Can be adapted to be Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Foundation:

• 1 (12 ounce) bag low-fat tortilla chips

Base:

• 2 lbs extra lean ground beef
• 1 large tomatoes, chopped into 1/4 inch chunks
• 1 medium onion, chopped into 1/4 inch chunks
• 1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced green olives
• 1 (2 1/4 ounce) can sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped mushrooms
• 0.5 (8 ounce) container light sour cream (more for a heartier portion)
• Trappey’s jalapenos (as many as you can muster!)
• 1 (16 ounce) can fat-free refried beans
• 3 (1 ounce) packages Ortega taco seasoning
• 2 cups water
• 1 (1 ounce) can chopped green chilies
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (optional)

Topping:

• 1 (12 ounce) jar Ortega medium cheese sauce (warmed)
• 1/4 head medium chopped lettuce

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Colander
• Large plate or platter

Instructions

1. Begin by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As the beef cooks, break it apart with a spoon or spatula.

2. Once the beef is thoroughly browned, carefully drain it in a colander. For an extra step to reduce fat intake, rinse the beef with hot water while it’s in the colander.

3. Return the drained beef to the skillet. Add water, refried beans, taco seasoning, chopped green chilies, and the optional finely chopped onion to the skillet.

4. Stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.

5. Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring often, until it reaches a low boil.

6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. The mixture should thicken slightly.

7. While the beef mixture is simmering, warm the cheese sauce according to the jar instructions. This can be done in a microwave or on the stovetop.

8. Now it’s time for construction! On a large plate or platter, create a foundation by layering the tortilla chips evenly.

9. Generously dollop portions of the cooked meat mixture over the chips, ensuring every chip gets a taste.

10. Pour the warmed cheese sauce evenly over the meat and chips.

11. Sprinkle the chopped lettuce over the cheese sauce.

12. Add the chopped tomatoes, diced onion, sliced green olives, sliced black olives, and mushrooms in any order you prefer.

13. The most important part! Add as many Trappey’s jalapenos as you can handle (or as your heart desires!). Don’t be shy.

14. Finally, add a few dollops of sour cream on top to complete your masterpiece.

15. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, use a hotter variety of taco seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture while it’s simmering.
• To make the nachos easier to eat, consider cutting the tortilla chips into smaller pieces before assembling.
• If you don’t have Trappey’s jalapenos on hand, feel free to substitute with your favorite brand, but be sure to taste-test them first, as heat levels can vary.
• For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in the cheese sauce. You can melt the shredded cheeses into the cheese sauce on low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth.
• Prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling the nachos.
• To avoid soggy chips, assemble the nachos just before serving.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these nachos immediately after assembling for the best texture and flavor. The warm toppings will melt the cheese and soften the chips if left sitting for too long.

Leftover nachos are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, be aware that the chips will become soggy. They can be reheated in a microwave or oven, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Consume leftovers within 2 days. Due to the potential for bacterial growth, it’s not recommended to leave the assembled nachos at room temperature for more than two hours. Freezing is not recommended as the texture will greatly degrade.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	900.5 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	336 g	37%
Total Fat	37.4 g	57%
Saturated Fat	9.9 g	49%
Cholesterol	150.5 mg	50%
Sodium	1375.4 mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate	78.6 g	26%
Dietary Fiber	12.5 g	49%
Sugars	5.9 g	23%
Protein	63.7 g	127%

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Nachos: Substitute the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled plant-based meat alternatives.
• Gluten-Free Nachos: Ensure that the tortilla chips and taco seasoning are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Nachos: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture or use a hotter variety of jalapenos.
• Chicken Nachos: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken.
• Seafood Nachos: Use cooked shrimp or crabmeat instead of beef.
• Deluxe Nachos: Add guacamole, pico de gallo, or a drizzle of hot sauce.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different type of chip?
A: While low-fat tortilla chips are recommended, you can substitute with your favorite tortilla chip flavor or even pita chips for a slightly different taste and texture.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before assembling the nachos to prevent soggy chips.

Q: What can I substitute for the sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative can be used as a substitute for the light sour cream.

Q: Are Trappey’s jalapenos necessary?
A: While the recipe author has a strong preference for Trappey’s, feel free to use your favorite brand of jalapenos. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your desired level of spiciness.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese sauce?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheese sauce or even melt shredded cheese over the nachos for a more homemade flavor.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – the most awesome grande nachos in the world! This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for game nights, parties, or any occasion that calls for a fun and flavorful dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and ingredients to create your own signature nachos. Share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how you make them your own! These nachos pair perfectly with a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita. Get creative and enjoy!