Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bag (12 oz) tortilla chips (choose your favorite variety)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and mozzarella)
- 1 cup cooked chicken (diced or shredded) or ground beef (halal-certified)
- 1 cup black beans (optional, for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup salsa (optional)
- Jalapeño slices (optional for added heat)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Tortilla Chips: The foundation of nachos, the crispy chips add crunch and texture to every bite.
- Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives the nachos a rich and gooey texture, ideal for melting.
- Ground Meat or Chicken: Halal-certified chicken or beef adds savory protein, which complements the cheese and spices perfectly.
- Black Beans: A great option for added protein and fiber, black beans also help balance out the richness of the cheese.
- Vegetables: Tomatoes, green onions, olives, and cilantro bring freshness and flavor to the nachos, elevating the taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Toppings and Oven
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken or Ground Beef: If using ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula. Add salt, pepper, cumin powder, and chili powder. If using chicken, cook it through and shred it. Season it with the same spices for extra flavor.
- Prepare Vegetables and Garnishes: Slice the jalapeños, dice the tomatoes, chop the green onions and cilantro, and set them aside for later use.
Assemble the Nachos
- Layer the Chips: Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet, making sure to cover the surface in a single layer.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips. Then, layer the cooked chicken or ground beef on top of the cheese. Add the black beans (if using), diced tomatoes, black olives, and jalapeño slices. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the entire dish.
- Season: Lightly sprinkle the nachos with a pinch of salt and pepper, and if desired, add a sprinkle of cumin or chili powder to boost the flavor.
Bake the Nachos
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chips have turned golden brown around the edges.
- Cool Slightly: Once baked, remove the nachos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the Nachos
- Garnish: Top the baked nachos with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and any additional garnishes like sour cream or salsa. For a little extra heat, serve with additional sliced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 15g