Picante Super Skillet Nachos

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Mexican

Spicy and cheesy skillet nachos topped with fresh tomatoes and avocados, perfect for sharing at gatherings or casual family dinners with bold flavors and crunchy chips.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 c. picante sauce
  • 1 can pinto beans, drained
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1 or 2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
  • 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 to 1 c. sour cream
  • tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. In a 12-inch skillet, brown ground beef with chopped onion; drain excess fat.
  2. Add picante sauce, drained pinto beans, and chili powder; bring mixture to a boil.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in chopped tomato and diced avocado; remove from heat.
  5. Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
  6. Spoon sour cream onto the center of the meat mixture.
  7. Place a row of tortilla chips around the edge of the skillet and serve immediately with additional chips.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños to the meat mixture or topping the nachos. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option. If you don't have pinto beans, black beans work well too. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more beans and vegetables. This dish is a great way to use up leftover picante sauce from other Mexican recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these nachos with a side of Easy Spanish Rice With Beef Casserole for a complete meal. They pair well with guacamole or a fresh salad to balance the richness. For a fun twist, offer an assortment of toppings like sliced olives or pickled jalapeños. Enjoy with your favorite beverage for a perfect game day snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out. For best results, avoid reheating in the microwave as it may make the chips soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Picante Super Skillet Nachos contains roughly 186 calories, with 6g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

186 kcal 9% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.3g 13% DV
Total Fat 4.9g 6% DV
Carbs 30.5g 11% DV
Fiber 6.6g 24% DV
Sugar 3.2g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 454.5mg 20% DV
Potassium 513.3mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 2.2mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 167.8mcg 19% DV
Vitamin C 16.6mg 18% DV
Calcium 84.1mg 6% DV
Iron 2.5mg 14% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it when you're ready to assemble the nachos. However, it's best to add the cheese and fresh toppings right before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.

What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?

If you're looking for a different flavor profile, try using Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a creamier texture and a hint of spice. You could also use a blend of Mexican cheeses for a more authentic taste that complements the flavors of the dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the amount of beans or add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn. This will keep the dish hearty and satisfying while being suitable for a vegetarian diet.

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).

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