Best Nachos Supreme

 

Who doesn't like nachos? It is easy, you can make it for one person or a crowd, and each person can tailor it to what toppings they like too, and it tastes great! A real crowd pleaser! 

It's one of those food that if it's on the table, you can't stop munching on it. Very popular during game time too!

It barely needs any recipe, except for the meat part, which is very quick and easy. In my family, we use ground beef taco meat or the fancier barbacoa. You can of course use whatever you like, chicken, turkey, or even pulled pork!

I always deep-fry my own tortilla chips using fresh corn tortillas from local store here, or use extra thin corn tortillas. It does take some of the "easy" part away from nachos, but feel free to use store-bought corn tortilla chips. For me, the thinner, the better.

As for the meat part, I use lean ground beef, 90% lean and above. If you are using a fattier beef, drain the excess oil while cooking. Some people add beans to the meat too, but since we are not big on beans, we never use it for our nachos. I make my own taco seasoning because I have quite a bit of spice collection in my pantry. I don't have anything against store-bought taco seasoning mix though and would use it quite often too.

The toppings, I mean, really, there is no right or wrong for this. From simple cheese to fancy cheese, beans, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, red onion, lime, jalapeños, cilantro, olives, sour cream, guacamole, anything you fancy would fit, making it a great choice for family who has different preferences. 

As for our family, it's no Mexican night without guacamole! The least it has to have cheese, sour cream, and guac, anything else is just secondary. My oldest daughter seems to think that chips and guac are a complete meal on its own :).

Nachos Supreme

Tortilla chips, store-bought or homemade

Taco Meat:

1lb ground beef. I use at least 85% lean and above

1/2 onion, chopped

3 garlic, minced

1 packet of taco seasoning (or homemade below)

3/4 cup water

1 tsp cornstarch (no need if you use store-bought seasoning)

Oil, to cook the meat

• Put a little bit of oil in a pan and add the chopped onion. Cook on on medium high heat until slightly brown on the edges
• Add garlic and continue cooking for another minute or so, taking care not to burn the garlic
• Add the ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is brown
• Add the taco seasoning, water and cornstarch (if using homemade seasoning). If using cornstarch, dissolve it in the water before adding it to the pan
• Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or so until the liquid is reduced and it has a thick wet consistency (not soupy wet).

Toppings:

Shredded cheese. Monterey Jack or Mexican blend would work well

Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo or salsa

Fresh or pickled jalapeños 

Black olives

Refried beans or black beans

Red onion, finely minced

Limes

Cilantro

Sour cream

Guacamole

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

2 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp oregano (regular or Mexican)

1.5 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 tsp black peepper

To Assemble:

• In a plate or baking sheet (if using oven), arrange the tortilla chips then spoon some taco meat on top. 
• Add shredded cheese all over the meat
• Microwave (if using plate) or put it in the oven under broiler (if using sheet pan) until the cheese has melted
• Put the additional topping on top and enjoy!