Nacho tacos

Nacho Tacos Recipe

Serves: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• For the Meat Filling:
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Nacho Toppings:
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup guacamole
  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • Hot sauce, to taste
• For the Tacos:
  • 8-10 taco shells or small flour tortillas
  • 2 cups tortilla chips, slightly crushed

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Filling

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Use a spatula to break up the meat into smaller pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
3. Season the Meat: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and mix well. Add the water, black beans, and corn to the pan. Stir in the salsa. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little more water. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Warm the Taco Shells

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Arrange taco shells on a baking sheet. Place them in the oven for about 5 minutes to warm up. If using flour tortillas, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in the oven for the same amount of time.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Layer the Filling: Take a warm taco shell and add a spoonful of the meat mixture into the bottom.
2. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the hot meat filling so it begins to melt.
3. Top with Crunch: Add a small handful of crushed tortilla chips over the cheese to give the tacos a crunchy texture.
4. Add Fresh Toppings: Layer with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and black olives. Add a dollop of sour cream and guacamole on top.
5. Finish with Garnishes: Sprinkle some sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and green onions. Drizzle with hot sauce if you like extra spice.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the nacho tacos immediately while the shells are still warm and crispy. Pair them with extra tortilla chips, salsa, or a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Nacho Tacos:

• Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Variations: For extra flavor, use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend instead of just cheddar.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy taco seasoning to give your nacho tacos a fiery kick.
• Crispier Tacos: For an extra crunch, brush the taco shells with a little oil and bake them for a couple more minutes until golden brown.
• Saucy Option: Drizzle queso sauce or a homemade cheese sauce over the top of the tacos for an indulgent twist.

Variations:

• Nacho Taco Salad: Skip the shells and layer the meat mixture over a bed of lettuce, top with all the nacho toppings, and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for a taco salad.
• Loaded Nacho Platter: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, layer with the meat mixture, cheese, and toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted for a shareable nacho platter.
• Vegetarian Nacho Tacos: Replace the ground meat with a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, black beans, and corn for a satisfying vegetarian option.

Storing and Reheating:

• Storing Leftovers: Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings in separate containers to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Reheating: Reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Warm taco shells in the oven just before serving. Assemble the tacos with fresh toppings.

Enjoy these nacho tacos as a fun and delicious twist on classic tacos. They are perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual gatherings.