This versatile healthy loaded nachos are effortlessly prepared whether on a stovetop, grill, or campfire. Ideal for snacking or as a quick meal, it features a delightful medley of ground beef, black beans, abundant jalapeño peppers, cheese, fresh tomatoes, and a touch of lime and cilantro to brighten everything up. With its inviting flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal, this recipe is meant for friends and family to share and enjoy.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Adds savory and rich flavor to the dip, providing a hearty base for the other ingredients.
- Black beans: Bring a creamy texture and earthy taste while adding protein and fiber to the dish.
- Jalapenos: Infuse a spicy kick to the dip, balancing the flavors and adding a vibrant heat.
- Sharp Cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and contributes a smooth and cheesy taste to enhance the overall creaminess.
- Pepper jack cheese: Offers a tangy and slightly spicy flavor, complementing the jalapenos and adding a touch of heat.
- Lime: Provides a refreshing citrusy brightness, elevating the flavors and adding a zesty kick.
- Cilantro: Introduces a fresh and herbaceous note, enhancing the aroma and adding a vibrant taste.
- Roma tomatoes: Bring a juicy and slightly acidic element, adding a burst of freshness and color to the dip.
What you will need for this recipe:
- Cast iron skillet or regular skillet
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Grater (for cheese)
- Citrus juicer or reamer (for lime)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving dish or platter
Recipe Tips and FAQs:
What are the ingredients of healthy loaded nachos?
When it comes to crafting healthy loaded nachos, the possibilities for ingredient combinations are abundant. The foundation of this recipe consists of ground beef, shredded cheese, ample jalapeños, zesty lime, fragrant cilantro, fresh tomatoes, and hearty black beans. Maintaining a thicker consistency is essential to ensure easy chip dipping and enjoyment.
Is this recipe spicy?
This recipe provides a gentle, yet noticeable, level of spiciness, falling within the mild to medium range.
During the cooking process, the jalapeno’s heat significantly reduces. If you desire to intensify the heat, consider adding the jalapeños after turning off the heat, allowing them to unleash their full potential along with some jalapeno seeds, which contain a fiery punch. Adjusting the jalapeno inclusion method and incorporating the seeds will heighten the overall spiciness to suit your preference.
What goes well with these healthy loaded nachos?
Enjoy this delectable healthy loaded nachos with your preferred tortilla chips, whether corn or flour-based. This recipe evokes a delightful summer essence, complementing well-known seasonal delights like corn on the cob, succulent chicken wings, flavorful baked beans, or tantalizing tacos.
What makes these healthy loaded nachos so healthy?
This healthy loaded nachos offers a healthy twist to a classic favorite. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like fresh jalapeños, ground beef for protein, black beans for fiber, and calcium from the cheese, it provides a balanced combination of flavors and health benefits. Lime and cilantro provide antioxidants, and portion control allows enjoyment as part of a balanced diet. With its satisfying taste and nutritious ingredients, these healthy loaded nachos are a delicious and wholesome option for your snacking or entertaining needs.
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Healthy Loaded Nachos
Ingredients
- 4 jalapenos diced small
- 2 large tomatoes diced
- 2 cans black beans 15 oz
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup cilantro roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro stems finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F if you're planning to bake the mixture on top of your chips. (See notes for more details.)
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Once done, strain the meat in the sink to remove any excess fat. Transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cilantro stems and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Next, incorporate the jalapeños, black beans, and tomatoes into the skillet, and cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, continuing to stir occasionally.
- Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and mix it well with the other ingredients.
- If you prefer to bake this mixture onto your chips, proceed to the next step. Otherwise, remove the skillet from the heat and top the mixture with cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve and enjoy!
- For baking the loaded mixture on top of the chips, evenly lay your chips on a baking sheet and top them with the nacho mixture and cheese. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted and slightly browned.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and squeeze some lime juice over the top. Now, dig in and savor the deliciousness!
Notes
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
My go-to party dish! I made this for a friends baby shower and it was a total hit! I was hoping to have leftovers but it was gone in an hour!
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the dish at the party. It’s always a pleasure to share something delicious with friends and loved ones.
Omg! This recipe was to die for and was so easy to make! Will make again!
I am so glad to here it Trese!
Loved it! Very easy to make! Family enjoyed it! Didn’t last for long
Hopefully you were able to get a few before it was gone, happy to hear it!