Loaded Cast Iron Nachos

Loaded Cast Iron Nachos: Satisfy your cravings with these loaded Cast Iron Nachos, a perfect combination of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, savory toppings, and bold flavors. Made in a cast-iron skillet, this easy-to-make dish is great for game day, parties, or a fun family snack. Customize it with your favorite proteins, cheeses, and toppings for the ultimate nacho experience!

Ingredients

For the Nachos Base:

• 1 large bag (10-12 oz) tortilla chips (choose sturdy, restaurant-style chips)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (optional, for garnish)

For the Meat (Choose One or a Combination):

• Ground Beef Option:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ cup water
• Shredded Chicken Option:
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ cup salsa
• Pulled Pork Option:
  • 2 cups cooked pulled pork
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce

Toppings:

• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
• ½ cup corn (fresh or canned)
• ¼ cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• ¼ cup diced red onions
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 avocado, sliced or mashed into guacamole
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

For the Cheese Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

Depending on the protein you choose, follow one of these methods:

• For Ground Beef:
  1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Drain excess grease, then stir in salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  4. Add ½ cup of water and let it simmer for 5 minutes until flavors meld together. Set aside.
• For Shredded Chicken:
  1. In a bowl, toss cooked, shredded chicken with salt, black pepper, cumin, and onion powder.
  2. Stir in ½ cup of salsa and mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Set aside.
• For Pulled Pork:
  1. If using pre-cooked pulled pork, heat it in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Stir in BBQ sauce and cook for 5 minutes until warm. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce (Optional but Worth It!)

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in flour and whisk continuously for about a minute to form a roux.
3. Slowly pour in milk, whisking to remove lumps.
4. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add shredded cheese, salt, and garlic powder, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Nachos

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a cast-iron skillet, spread an even layer of tortilla chips.
3. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese (cheddar & Monterey Jack) over the chips.
4. Add half of the cooked meat evenly over the cheese.
5. Add another layer of tortilla chips, followed by the remaining meat and cheese.
6. Sprinkle black beans, corn, red onions, and jalapeños on top.

Step 4: Bake the Nachos

1. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
2. If you want extra crispiness, turn the broiler on for 1-2 minutes—watch carefully to avoid burning!

Step 5: Add Final Toppings & Serve

1. Remove the nachos from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes.
2. Drizzle the cheese sauce (if using) over the top.
3. Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, olives, chopped cilantro, and queso fresco.
4. Serve with sour cream, lime wedges, and extra jalapeños on the side.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Nacho Experience

Cast Iron Nachos are the ultimate comfort food—whether you’re making them for game night, a casual family dinner, or a party with friends. The crunchy tortilla chips, gooey melted cheese, savory meats, and fresh toppings create an irresistible combination that will have everyone coming back for more.

The cast-iron skillet not only helps evenly distribute heat, ensuring perfectly crispy chips and melted cheese, but it also keeps the nachos warm longer, making it an excellent serving dish straight from the oven.

Customization & Variations:

• Make It Vegetarian: Swap out the meat for extra beans, sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or roasted sweet potatoes.
• Go Spicy: Add more jalapeños, use hot salsa, or drizzle sriracha or chipotle sauce over the nachos.
• Add Extra Crunch: Crushed Doritos or flavored tortilla chips can be mixed in for an added twist.
• Change Up the Cheese: Try a blend of pepper jack, smoked gouda, or mozzarella for a unique taste.
• Elevate with Protein: Add steak strips, grilled shrimp, or chorizo for a next-level nacho experience.

Storage & Reheating Tips:

• Best When Fresh: Nachos taste best when served immediately.
• Reheat Leftovers: If you do have leftovers, reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the chips soggy.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself, these loaded cast-iron nachos will always be a crowd-pleaser. So grab a skillet, pile on your favorite toppings, and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite! 🎉🔥

Would you like me to add a drink pairing or a fun fact about nachos? 😊

FAQs:

What is special about nachos?

There is nothing better than this simple mix of crispy chips and the oozing cheese that is simply irresistible and delicious for any occasion or mood. Nachos are a type of food that can be mixed up for any occasion because you can change up the toppings to meet the event.

Do you need butter for cast iron?

With use your cast iron pan will gain a nearly nonstick surface, but it will always benefit from a thin film of grease, oil or butter when used. I get the calorie consideration, but I don’t think the light coat required would provide that much additional calories to worry about.

What toppings can you put on nachos?

Favorite toppings for a nacho bar include chopped tomatoes, salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole or diced avocado, chopped lettuce, sliced radishes, quick pickled red onion, sliced green onion, fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced black olives, additional jalapeños, and lime wedges or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

What is the benefit of nacho?

Nutritional Versatility

• Heart Health. When carefully prepared, nachos can positively affect heart health. …
• Muscle Maintenance and Growth. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, and nachos can be an excellent source. …
• Digestive Health. …
• Antioxidants. …
• Weight Management. …
• Incorporating Nachos into a Healthy Lifestyle.

Is cast iron good for cooking?

Cast iron and stainless steel pans are very healthy to cook with. They don’t put chemicals into your food as you cook. And if you treat cast iron right, oiling it over time, it makes its own natural nonstick surface.

What is best with nachos?

• Chicken. You’re guaranteed to fulfil your cravings with chicken-topped nachos – they’re a classic. …
• Steak. Loading up your nachos with tender and juicy steak slices topped with cheese, jalapeños, and sauce is always a winner. …
• Chilli con Carne. …
• Shrimp. …
• Sofrita.