Fiery Loaded Cheese Nachos

Fiery Loaded Cheese Nachos

These nachos are loaded with cheesy goodness and a spicy kick! You can adjust the spice level to your preference.

Ingredients:

• For the Nachos:
  • 4 cups tortilla chips
  • 1 (15 oz) can refried beans
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • 1 ripe avocado, pitted, diced
  • 1 jalapeno, diced (optional)
  • Hot sauce, to taste
• For the Spicy Beef (Optional):
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel)
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Make the spicy beef (optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
3. Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, then stir in the diced tomatoes and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the nachos: Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the refried beans evenly over the chips.
5. Top with half of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese. If using, spoon the spicy beef mixture over the cheese.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Remove from the oven and top with the remaining cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, avocado, jalapeno (optional), and hot sauce.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips:

• For extra melty cheese, pre-shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded.
• You can add other toppings to your liking, such as black olives, chopped green onions, or crumbled queso fresco.
• If you don’t have refried beans, you can spread a thin layer of mashed pinto beans or black beans on the chips instead.
• To make a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add your favorite cooked vegetables, such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers.