Steak nachos are a hearty and delicious twist on the traditional nacho recipe. The crispy tortilla chips are topped with tender, juicy steak, melted cheese, and a variety of fresh and flavorful toppings. Perfect for a quick meal or a party appetizer, steak nachos combine savory beef with rich, creamy cheese, adding the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you are making them for a casual dinner or a game-day snack, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Quick Facts
| Course | Snack/Appetizer |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Tex-Mex |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 4-6 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Calories | 400-500 per serving |
Equipment Needed
- Cast Iron Skillet or any oven-safe baking dish for broiling
- Chef’s Knife to chop the steak
- Cutting Board for prepping ingredients
- Grater for shredding cheese
- Measuring Spoons for seasoning
- Oven or Broiler for melting cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 bag tortilla chips (about 10 oz)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup guacamole (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Season the steak slices with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes, or until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Arrange the nachos: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Layer the cooked steak slices on top of the chips.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle both the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the steak and chips.
- Bake: Place the nachos in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Add fresh toppings: Once the nachos are out of the oven, top them with diced tomatoes, red onions, and jalapeños. Garnish with cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately with sides of sour cream and guacamole if desired.
Essential Note:
For extra flavor, feel free to add a drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lime juice before serving. The combination of warm, melted cheese with tender steak and fresh toppings creates the perfect balance of savory and spicy.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 27g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Potassium | 500mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 15% |
| Vitamin C | 20% |
| Calcium | 15% |
| Iron | 15% |
Recipe Notes
- You can use ground beef or chicken instead of steak if you prefer.
- Add more toppings such as black beans, corn, or avocado to customize the flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of jalapeños or use a hotter variety of chili powder.
- For a healthier option, consider using baked tortilla chips and a lower-fat cheese.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choose the right steak: Flank steak or sirloin are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and are tender when sliced thinly against the grain. If using a different cut of beef, make sure it’s well-seasoned and cooked to your preference.
- Don’t overcrowd the chips: Layering too many chips at once can cause them to get soggy. Spread them out evenly for a crispy, crunchy bite.
- Keep an eye on the cheese: Melting the cheese to perfection can take only a few minutes. Check regularly to avoid over-browning the cheese or burning the nachos.
Conclusion
Steak nachos are the perfect dish to enjoy with friends and family. This recipe takes traditional nachos to the next level by incorporating savory steak, gooey cheese, and all the vibrant toppings that make nachos irresistible. Whether you’re serving them as a quick meal, appetizer, or snack for game day, these steak nachos will be a hit every time. Easy to make, delicious to eat, and packed with flavor, steak nachos are sure to become your new go-to comfort food.
