Best Ever Nachos
Creamy, cheesy nachos layered with refried beans, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese, perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 1 large tomato, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz) cans refried beans ⓘ
- 4 to 6 oz mozzarella cheese ⓘ
- 3 (7 oz) packages flavored tortilla chips ⓘ
- 3 cups sharp Cheddar cheese
- 6 to 8 jalapeno peppers in rings ⓘ
- Creamy guacamole (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Spray a 3-quart deep casserole dish with vegetable cooking spray.
- Melt butter in the casserole dish; add minced garlic and sauté until golden brown.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until transparent.
- Add chopped green chiles, chopped tomato, and cilantro; simmer until tender.
- Add refried beans, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese; cook over low heat until cheese melts and mixture is boiling, stirring often.
- Cool the mixture.
- Cover and chill well before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapenos into the bean mixture or using pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. If you're short on time, canned diced tomatoes can be a quick substitute for fresh ones. You can use any flavored tortilla chips that you prefer, but cheese-flavored ones will enhance the overall taste. This nacho recipe pairs beautifully with Creamy Nacho Dip for an extra creamy layer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these nachos warm, topped with jalapeno rings and a dollop of creamy guacamole for a refreshing contrast. They make a great appetizer or snack for game day. Pair the nachos with a side of Taco Sauce Dip for an added flavor kick, or enjoy alongside some fresh veggies for a balanced spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover nacho mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also microwave small portions in short intervals, making sure to cover it to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Ever Nachos contains roughly 1113 calories, with 25g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), protein (50% of the Daily Value), and calcium (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 604mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this nacho recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is inherently vegetarian, especially when using vegetarian refried beans and cheese. You can enhance the dish with extra vegetables like bell peppers or corn for additional flavor and texture.
How can I make these nachos spicier?
To increase the heat level, add more jalapeno rings or incorporate diced serrano peppers into the mixture. You can also sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper onto the nachos before serving for an extra kick.
What can I substitute for refried beans?
If you don't have refried beans on hand, you can use black beans or pinto beans, just mash them slightly for a similar texture. Another option is to use hummus for a unique twist that still offers creaminess and flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).