Carne Asada Nachos - knedir Recipes

The crispy crunch of tortilla chips paired with juicy grilled carne asada, black beans, and a gooey blanket of cheese makes these nachos an irresistible delight. Whether it’s game day, taco Tuesday, or just a weeknight craving, this dish brings big flavors with minimal effort.

Topped with fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, creamy guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream, this nacho platter has everything you need for a fiesta on a plate. Easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll come back to again and again.

Full Recipe:

1 bag of tortilla chips (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup black beans (canned or homemade)
1½ cups grilled carne asada, cut into bite-sized pieces
1½ cups shredded Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or Quesadilla cheese
½ small onion, chopped
1 medium tomato, diced
1 fresh jalapeño, sliced
½ cup guacamole (for topping)
¼ cup sour cream (for topping)
Optional toppings: pickled red onions, pickled jalapeños, avocado crema, salsa borracha, cotija or queso fresco

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spread a layer of tortilla chips across a cast iron skillet or parchment-lined baking sheet.
Sprinkle half the black beans, carne asada, cheese, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños over the chips.
Repeat the layering process for a hearty double-decker batch if serving a crowd.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and the toppings are heated through.
Remove from the oven and top with dollops of guacamole, sour cream, and any optional toppings of your choice.
Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 375 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

History and Origin

Carne Asada Nachos are a modern take on two beloved staples of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine—nachos and carne asada. The origins of nachos can be traced back to 1943, when Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya, a maître d’ at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico, first prepared the dish for a group of American military wives. The combination of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and jalapeños was an instant hit. Over the years, nachos evolved, with toppings like ground beef, beans, and sour cream becoming popular additions.

Carne Asada, on the other hand, has deeper roots in Mexican culinary traditions. It refers to grilled beef, typically marinated with lime, garlic, and various spices, and then cooked over an open flame or on a grill. Carne Asada is often served in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with rice and beans, but in recent years, it’s found its way into nachos, providing a rich, savory layer of flavor that perfectly complements the cheesy, crunchy base.

Together, these two iconic elements create a dish that’s beloved across the border and beyond, making Carne Asada Nachos a perfect fusion of Mexican tradition and American snacking culture.

Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of Carne Asada Nachos lies in their versatility. You can customize the dish to suit your tastes and dietary preferences by experimenting with different toppings, proteins, and even bases for the nachos. Here are a few variations that add a unique twist to the traditional recipe:

Protein Alternatives: While grilled carne asada is the star of this dish, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like grilled chicken, chorizo, or even shrimp. For a vegetarian option, consider replacing the meat with sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, or black beans and corn for a hearty, plant-based filling.
Cheese Choices: While Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, and Quesadilla cheeses are great options, you can experiment with other melty cheeses like cheddar or a spicy pepper jack for an added kick. For extra indulgence, consider topping the nachos with a drizzle of homemade chile con queso.
Sauces and Toppings: The toppings are where you can get really creative! In addition to the usual guacamole, sour cream, and salsa, try adding roasted corn, pickled red onions, or even a tangy avocado crema. For a spicy kick, toss in some pickled jalapeños or drizzle on a bit of salsa borracha, a smoky and spicy Mexican sauce.
Base Options: While tortilla chips are traditional, you can switch things up by using potato chips, sweet potato fries, or even tater tots as the base for your nachos. The crispy texture and flavor of these alternatives provide an exciting spin on the original.
Vegan Nachos: To make Carne Asada Nachos vegan, simply skip the carne asada and cheese, and use plant-based substitutes for both. You can make a delicious vegan cheese sauce or sprinkle some nutritional yeast on top for that cheesy flavor.

No matter how you tweak the recipe, the core components of crispy chips, savory protein, melty cheese, and fresh toppings will always remain at the heart of Carne Asada Nachos.

Nutritional Information

Carne Asada Nachos can be both indulgent and nutritious, depending on how you prepare them. The dish provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, with protein from the carne asada and black beans, healthy fats from the guacamole and cheese, and carbohydrates from the tortilla chips.

Here’s a general breakdown of the nutritional value of Carne Asada Nachos (per serving):

Calories: Approximately 375 kcal
Protein: 25g (from carne asada and beans)
Carbohydrates: 35g (mainly from chips and beans)
Fat: 18g (from cheese, guacamole, and sour cream)
Fiber: 5g (from beans and vegetables)
Sodium: 600mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium beans and cheese)
Vitamin A: 10% of daily recommended intake (from the guacamole and fresh toppings)
Calcium: 15% of daily recommended intake (from cheese)

The nutritional profile can be adjusted based on your choice of toppings, cheese, and the amount of guacamole and sour cream used. For a healthier version, consider using baked chips, reducing the amount of cheese, and adding more veggies.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Carne Asada Nachos are a perfect dish for sharing, whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual meal with family, or gathering with friends to watch a game. Serve the nachos on a large platter or sheet pan, and allow everyone to dig in and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness.

Here are a few ideas for serving your Carne Asada Nachos:

As a Main Dish: Carne Asada Nachos are hearty enough to be the star of a meal. Serve them alongside a light salad or some Mexican rice to round out the meal.
As an Appetizer or Snack: They’re perfect for parties, barbecues, or game day gatherings. Set them out on a big platter and watch your guests dive in.
Toppings Bar: For a fun, interactive experience, set up a nacho toppings bar where everyone can add their own favorite toppings like jalapeños, guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and more.
Pair with Drinks: To wash down the richness of the nachos, pair them with a refreshing drink. Mexican beers like Corona or Modelo are classic choices, but margaritas (either classic lime or fruity varieties) also pair wonderfully. If you’re serving nachos for a larger crowd, consider making a batch of spicy Micheladas, a zesty beer cocktail with lime, tomato juice, and spices.

Tips and Tricks for Success

To ensure your Carne Asada Nachos turn out perfectly every time, here are a few tips:

Use Fresh Tortilla Chips: For the crispiest nachos, use freshly fried tortilla chips, or if you’re using store-bought chips, opt for a sturdy variety that won’t easily crumble under the weight of the toppings.
Don’t Overload the Chips: While it’s tempting to pile on all the toppings, be mindful of how much you’re adding. Overloading the nachos can make them soggy, so aim for a balanced layer of chips, beans, carne asada, and cheese.
Grill the Carne Asada Perfectly: Make sure to grill the carne asada to medium or medium-rare for the best texture and flavor. Overcooking the steak can make it tough.
Serve Immediately: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. If you let them sit for too long, they can lose their crunch.

Potential Health Benefits

While Carne Asada Nachos are a delicious indulgence, some of the ingredients offer health benefits as well. For example, the black beans provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, while the guacamole is rich in healthy fats from avocados, which are beneficial for heart health. Additionally, the fresh vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.

However, due to the richness of the cheese and chips, this dish is best enjoyed in moderation. To make it a bit healthier, consider using baked tortilla chips or reducing the amount of cheese and sour cream.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Nachos are the ultimate comfort food, combining bold flavors, crispy textures, and fresh toppings in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them as a game day snack, a party appetizer, or a main dish, they’re sure to impress everyone at the table. With endless possibilities for customization and variations, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. So go ahead and make a big batch, share them with friends and family, and indulge in the satisfying, cheesy goodness that is Carne Asada Nachos.