Nachos Supreme

1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 lb. ground beef

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp. taco seasoning

kosher salt

1 (15-oz.) can refried beans

1/4 c. water

1 large bag tortilla chips

2 c. shredded cheddar

2 c. Shredded Monterey jack

1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained

1/2 c. pickled jalapeños

1 large tomato, diced

1 avocado, diced

1/4 c. thinly sliced green onions

1/4 c. fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Sour cream, for drizzling

Hot sauce, for drizzling

Steps

1. Make sure your oven is preheated to 425. Get a large baking sheet and put foil on this.  Heat up some oil in a skillet, put the onion in there and cook it for 5 minutes until it’s softened, and then add the ground beef and cook this for 6 minutes until it’s not pink.  Drain the fat from this.
2. Add the taco seasoning and garlic and season the salt over this, then cook until the meat is crispy and browned for 5 minutes. Add the water and refried beans into there and stir it until it’s combined together.
3. Put half of the tortilla chips over this, and then half of the black beans, cheese, and half of the pickled jalapenos, then repeat it with another later.
4. Put it in the oven and bake this for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts
5. Add avocado, tomato, cilantro, green onions, sour cream, and hot sauce all around this, then serve it right away!

Tips

What’s the best cheese for you to use for this?

While Monterey jack is one of the best and a lot of people like cheddar, you can use something that’s perfect for your tastes. The main factor to consider, is that it melts. Pepper jack is great for a little bit of kick, since it does have that pepper in this.  Cotija is another one that’s great for nachos, but it doesn’t actually bake, so keep that in mind.

What toppings can I use for these?

The possibilities of this can be endless, but refried beans, beef, tomatoes, jalapenos, avocado, and green onions are some of the most popular. Pico de Gallo, cotija cheese, lettuce that’s shredded, corn, black olives, pinto beans, slices of jalapenos, cubed steak, chicken, or tofu can also be wonderful options.  You may want to top your nachos with some pulled pork too to make it a more barbecue taste, or if you’d like to make it a more poutine sort of flavor, cheese curds with a topping of gravy is great for this.

Is there a way to make these healthy?

Not really.  They do have other healthier alternatives such as zucchini and cauliflower for this, but most people don’t’ eat nachos because they’re healthy.

Do nachos get baked or fried?

They’re usually baked, but the chips are fried when you use this, unless you choose to make healthier nachos.

Can I add salsa before I cook it?

It’s not best for this.  The ingredients that you want to stay nice and fresh should be added once they’re out of the oven. So salsas, avocadoes, tomatoes, herbs, guacamole, and the like are better after they’re taken out of the oven.  If it doesn’t taste good warm, then don’t put it in till after.