Loaded Nachos Recipe With Southwest Select Seasoning
Savor the irresistible fusion of flavors with a Loaded Nachos Recipe using our Southwest Select Seasoning. Gooey layers of Cheddar, zesty salsa-infused ground meat, and a medley of vibrant toppings, all baked to perfection on a bed of crispy tortilla chips.
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (80/20 mix) or ground chicken
2/3 cup salsa
2/3 cup black beans, drained
8 - 14 oz tortilla chips
3 - 4 cups shredded Cheddar, Mexican Mix, or Monterey Jack Cheese
Toppings as desired (onion, tomato, jalapeno, black olives, cilantro, scallions)
Queso cheese
Cooking spray (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
In a cooking pan, combine the ground meat with 3 tablespoons of salsa and 3 tablespoons of Southwest Select Seasoning.
Cook the meat mixture over medium-high heat until heated through and most of the liquid from the salsa has evaporated.
Place tortilla chips on a baking sheet. For easy cleanup, consider lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or using cooking spray.
Top the chips with half of the shredded cheese, followed by the salsa-infused meat, and black beans. Finish it off with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. The tortilla chips should be golden and crisp.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and generously drizzle queso cheese over the nachos.
Sprinkle a bit of Southwest Select Seasoning along with your desired toppings, such as diced onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, black olives, cilantro, and scallions.
Return the nachos to the oven and bake for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the toppings are sizzling.
Serve the cheesy Southwest nachos immediately while they're hot and gooey,
Suggested Sides/Wine & Drink Parings:
Guacamole with Lime and Cilantro: Prepare a fresh batch of guacamole with ripe avocados, diced tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. The creamy and zesty guacamole adds a cool contrast to the warm and cheesy nachos.
Corn and Black Bean Salsa: Create a vibrant corn and black bean salsa with sweet corn kernels, black beans, diced red onion, cherry tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and a dash of Southwest Select for a refreshing side that complements the nacho flavors.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grill or roast corn on the cob and slather it with a mixture of mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a flavorful and slightly spicy side that harmonizes with the Southwest nachos.
Classic Margarita: A well-balanced Margarita with tequila, triple sec, and freshly squeezed lime juice is a classic choice that complements the bold and savory flavors of the nachos. You can serve it on the rocks or blended with ice for a refreshing contrast.
Mexican Beer Michelada: Create a refreshing Michelada by combining a Mexican beer, such as Modelo, with lime juice, hot sauce, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Serve it over ice in a salt-rimmed glass for a zesty and beer-infused pairing that complements the spice of the nachos.
These sides offer a variety of textures and flavors, enhancing the overall dining experience with the Cheesy Southwest Nachos. Enjoy your delicious spread!
Tips:
Even Cheese Distribution: Ensure an even distribution of cheese on the nachos by layering it both beneath and on top of the toppings. This helps create a gooey, cheesy experience throughout the entire batch. Consider using a mix of shredded Cheddar, Mexican Blend, or Monterey Jack for a delightful fusion of flavors.
Quick Assembly Before Baking: Assemble the nachos quickly just before baking to maintain the freshness and crispiness of the tortilla chips. This prevents the chips from getting overly soggy and ensures a satisfying crunch when bitten into. Timing is crucial, so have all ingredients ready for a swift assembly process.
Optimize Toppings for Baking: Choose toppings that can withstand the heat of the oven without losing their freshness or becoming overly wilted. Ingredients like diced tomatoes, cilantro, and scallions are best added after baking to preserve their texture and flavor. Reserve these toppings for the final garnish just before serving.
These cooking tips will help you achieve a perfectly cheesy, crunchy, and flavorful batch of Southwest Nachos. Enjoy your delicious creation!