Make the Best Chili Nachos In 4 Steps

Nothing says comfort food quite like a heaping plate of chili nachos. This dish takes the classic nacho experience to the next level with a hearty, savory chili base layered over crispy tortilla chips. Perfect for game day, a movie night, or a family dinner, this recipe will show you how to create the ultimate chili nachos that are incredibly easy to make and even easier to devour.

What are Chili Nachos?

Chili nachos are a robust and satisfying twist on a classic. Instead of just cheese and a few toppings, a generous portion of seasoned chili is spread over a bed of tortilla chips, creating a rich and flavorful foundation. The dish is then baked to perfection, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey blanket that holds all the delicious components together. They are a meal in themselves, offering a perfect balance of crispy chips, hearty chili, and savory toppings.

Ingredients for Your Chili Nachos:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can of kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 large bag of tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend
• Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

How to Prepare and Cook Your Chili Nachos:

1. Make the Chili: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
2. Season the Chili: Stir the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Add the canned beans and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
3. Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a single layer of tortilla chips on a large, oven-safe baking sheet. Spoon the warm chili evenly over the chips, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños.
4. Bake and Serve: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling. Carefully remove from the oven. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or cilantro. For an extra treat, serve with a side of fresh guacamole! Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Chili Nachos:

• Layering is Key: To ensure every chip gets some chili and cheese, it’s best to assemble your nachos in a single layer rather than a pile.
• Don’t Rush the Chili: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least 10 minutes helps deepen the flavors and ensures it’s not too watery when you add it to the chips.
• Warm Your Toppings: For the best results, make sure your chili is warm before you assemble the nachos. This helps the cheese melt faster and prevents the chips from getting soggy.

Conclusion:

Chili nachos are a fantastic way to elevate a simple snack into a memorable meal. With a little bit of prep and a quick bake, you can create a satisfying, savory, and customizable dish that will please any crowd. Get ready to dive into the ultimate plate of comfort food!

Make the Best Chili Nachos In 4 Steps

foodifa

A simple, homemade recipe for rich and hearty chili nachos, perfect for parties or a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American, Tex-Mex

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

Ingredients

  

1 lb ground beef

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can of kidney or black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 large bag of tortilla chips

2 cups shredded cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend

Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, green onions, and fresh cilantro.

Instructions

 

Make the Chili: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

Season the Chili: Stir the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the skillet. Cook for 1 minute. Add the canned beans and diced tomatoes, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.

Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a single layer of tortilla chips on a large, oven-safe baking sheet. Spoon the warm chili evenly over the chips, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese and sliced jalapeños.

Bake and Serve: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbling. Carefully remove from the oven. Garnish with your favorite toppings like sour cream, green onions, or cilantro. For an extra treat, serve with a side of fresh guacamole! Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use a skillet large enough to contain the chili without overcrowding. For a spicier chili, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Keyword Chili nachos, chili recipe, comfort food, easy appetizer, nachos recipe