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There’s nothing better than gathering the family around a hearty, easy meal – carne asada nachos are always a hit with the whole family!
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Table of Contents
Easy Cheesy Carne Asada Nachos
Carne asada nachos are a mouthwatering fusion of tender, grilled marinated steak layered atop crispy tortilla chips, all smothered in melted cheese and a variety of toppings.
The smoky flavor of the carne asada pairs perfectly with the creamy guacamole, tangy sour cream, and vibrant pico de gallo, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.
Each bite offers a mix of savory meat, gooey cheese, and the crunch of fresh vegetables, making it an irresistible snack or meal. Ideal for sharing, these nachos are a hit at parties and gatherings, bringing everyone together over their rich flavors and satisfying crunch.
These nachos are one of my kids favorite dishes, they are really east to make and no one complains about eating them! If you love these also try BBQ chicken nachos!
For the carne asada, you can use our recipe – or use Trader Joe’s pre-seasoned.
Hope your family enjoys these nachos!
How to Make Carne Asada Beef Nachos
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Tortilla chips (14 oz) – These provide a crunchy, salty base that perfectly complements the rich toppings, acting as the essential foundation for the nachos.
- Cooked shredded carne asada meat (3 cups) – Use our grilled carne asada, or the Trader Joe’s carne asada. Marinated and grilled to perfection, this savory and slightly charred beef adds a bold, meaty flavor that is the star of the dish.
- White queso (½ cup) – A creamy, smooth cheese that melts beautifully, adding a velvety texture and a rich, tangy flavor that binds all the ingredients together.
- Red onion (½ cup) – Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that contrasts with the richness of the meats and cheeses, offering a fresh burst of flavor.
- Pickled jalapenos (½ cup) – These bring a spicy, vinegary kick that cuts through the creaminess of the cheeses, adding layers of complexity and heat.
- Mexican cheese blend (1 cup) – A combination of cheeses that melt into a gooey, flavorful layer, introducing a comforting, cheesy goodness to every bite.
- Cilantro (½ cup) – Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of herbal freshness that brightens the dish and balances the savory flavors.
- Tomatoes (¼ cup) – Chopped tomatoes contribute a juicy, mild sweetness and a pop of color, enhancing the freshness and visual appeal of the nachos.
Use this Method
Assemble and Layer. On a large baking sheet, pour the bag of chips out and cover the baking sheet evenly. Spread the carne asada out evenly over the chips. Add the onions, pickled jalapenos, shredded cheese, and onion.
Bake. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Bake for about ten minutes and then take the nachos out. Add the queso and put back in the oven for about five minutes.
Enjoy. Top with cilantro and chopped tomatoes, enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Beef Nachos
Marinate the Carne Asada: For deep flavor, marinate your steak for at least a few hours or overnight in a blend of lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and chili peppers. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with traditional Mexican flavors.
Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for flank or skirt steak for your carne asada; these cuts are flavorful and tender when cooked properly. Slice against the grain after grilling to ensure the meat is easy to bite through.
Layer Your Nachos: To avoid the dreaded naked chip scenario, build your nachos in layers. Start with a layer of chips, then add cheese and carne asada, and repeat. This method ensures every chip has a good mix of toppings.
Use Sturdy Chips: Select thick and sturdy tortilla chips that can hold up the weight of the toppings without getting soggy. Homemade or restaurant-style chips are usually a good bet.
Broil to Melt the Cheese: For perfectly melted cheese, assemble your nachos on an oven-safe platter and broil briefly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning, and you’ll achieve gooey, melted perfection.
Fresh Toppings: Add fresh toppings like diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado after baking to maintain their crisp texture and cool contrast to the warm nachos.
Serve Immediately: Carne asada nachos are best enjoyed immediately after assembling to enjoy the contrast of warm, tender steak and melted cheese with the cool, fresh garnishes.
Customize Your Toppings: Tailor your nachos to your taste preferences with a variety of toppings like black beans, corn, jalapeños, and different types of cheese to find your perfect combination.
Season Your Chips: For an extra flavor kick, lightly season your tortilla chips with a sprinkle of chili powder or lime zest before assembling the nachos.
Prep Ahead: You can marinate the carne asada and prep most of your toppings ahead of time, making the final assembly quick and easy for party snacks or a family dinner.
FAQs
Flank or skirt steak are the preferred cuts for carne asada due to their rich flavor and tenderness when marinated and cooked correctly. They also slice easily, making them perfect for nacho toppings.
While carne asada can be marinated and cooked ahead of time, nachos are best assembled and baked just before serving to maintain the crunch of the chips and the freshness of the toppings.
Use thick, sturdy chips, and avoid overloading with wet ingredients. Adding fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side instead of on top can also help keep your nachos crisp.
Grilled vegetables, seasoned black beans, or a meat substitute like marinated tempeh or seitan can be used in place of carne asada for a vegetarian version without losing the flavor complexity.
Marinate your steak with a mix of lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and chilies to infuse it with flavor. Additionally, season your tortilla chips with a sprinkle of chili powder or cumin for an extra flavor boost.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking, then slice it against the grain into thin strips. This ensures the carne asada is tender and easy to eat on top of your nachos.
Yes, by ensuring that your tortilla chips are certified gluten-free and that none of your marinades or toppings contain gluten, you can easily make gluten-free carne asada nachos.
A blend of cheeses such as cheddar for its melting qualities and Monterey Jack for its mild flavor works well. You can also use Mexican cheese blends available in stores for convenience.
Serve them on a large platter with the toppings evenly distributed so every guest can get a mix of ingredients. Provide extra sides of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for guests to add according to their preference.
What to Enjoy with Carne Asada Nachos
Guacamole: The creamy richness of guacamole pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of carne asada, adding a cool and fresh layer to the nachos.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream introduces a tangy contrast that balances the spice and heat from the carne asada and other toppings, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa adds a burst of acidity and freshness, cutting through the richness of the meat and cheese, and bringing a vibrant note to each bite.
Refried Beans: Layering refried beans beneath the carne asada adds a hearty, creamy texture and depth, making the nachos more filling and satisfying.
Pickled Jalapeños: The acidity and slight heat from pickled jalapeños cut through the richness of the cheese and meat, adding a spicy kick that enlivens the palate.
Cold Beer or Margaritas: A cold beer or a refreshing margarita complements the flavors of carne asada nachos well, helping to cleanse the palate between bites and enhancing the overall dining experience.
Corn Salsa: A sweet and spicy corn salsa can add both texture and a pop of sweetness, contrasting nicely with the savory carne asada and making the dish more complex.
Cilantro and Lime: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a zesty, herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish, tying all the flavors together.
Try these Tex Mex Recipes:
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Carne Asada Nachos
Equipment
Ingredients
- 14 oz tortilla chips
- 3 cups cooked shredded carne asada meat I used the Trader Joes preseasoned one and cooked it in a crockpot on low for ten hours
- ½ cup white queso
- ½ cup chopped red onion
- ½ cup pickled jalapenos
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF.
- On a large baking sheet, pour the bag of chips out and cover the baking sheet evenly. Spread the carne asada out evenly over the chips. Add the onions, pickled jalapenos, shredded cheese, and onion.
- Bake for about ten minutes and then take the nachos out. Add the queso and put back in the oven for about five minutes.
- Top with cilantro and chopped tomatoes, enjoy!
DElish!
Yummy
Delicious!