Homemade Chili Con Carne Nachos Recipe

This recipe is my go-to favorite because it’s the perfect blend of spicy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch that makes every bite a flavor explosion. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up for a casual hangout, transforming chill nights into epic nacho feasts with friends!

Making hearty dishes is my jam, and my Homemade Chili Con Carne Nachos are a tried-and-true favorite. It’s a dish with savory ground beef that’s seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and perfectly layered over crispy tortilla chips.

It’s a dish bursting with flavor. And if you think nachos can’t be nutritious, think again!

Topped with melted cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro, nachos are a meal to savor.

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Healthy fats; promotes heart health; flavorful cooking base.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich; savory; provides hearty flavor.
• Chili Powder: Spicy; adds heat; boosts metabolism.
• Diced Tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C; adds tangy sweetness.
• Kidney Beans: High in fiber; protein-packed; supports digestion.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy texture; base for nachos; source of carbohydrates.
• Cheddar Cheese: Rich, creamy; high in calcium; protein source.
• Jalapeños: Spicy kick; metabolism booster; source of vitamin C.
• Cilantro: Fresh, aromatic; rich in antioxidants; adds bright flavor.
• Guacamole: Creamy; healthy fats; rich in vitamins E and K.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bag (12 oz) tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Place the olive oil in a large skillet, and heat over a medium flame. When the oil is hot, add a finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion in the oil until it is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

2. Mix in the finely chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until it becomes aromatic.

3. In the skillet, add the ground beef, using a spoon to break it up. Cook until it’s nicely browned and completely devoid of pink, which will take about 7 to 8 minutes. Any excess fat should be drained before moving on to the next cooking step.

4. Add the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat evenly with the spices.

5. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste, mixing them well into the mixture before bringing it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until it has thickened slightly. Diced tomatoes Tomato paste

6. Incorporate the kidney beans into the skillet, mixing them in. Allow them to heat for another 5 minutes. Then, you may choose to set the beans aside for use later, or you could serve them as part of this dish.

7. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or 175 degrees Celsius. On a large platter or baking sheet that is safe for the oven, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer.

8. Distribute the chili evenly over the tortilla chips. Top with a generous amount of shredded cheddar and return to the oven.

9. In the preheated oven, bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

10. Take out of the oven and cover with jalapeños, diced cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, black olives, and green onions. Serve piping hot and dig in!

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Medium heat source (stovetop)
3. Cutting board
4. Chef’s knife
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Measuring spoons
7. Can opener
8. Colander (for draining beans)
9. Large platter or baking sheet (oven-safe)
10. Oven
11. Oven mitts
12. Small bowls (for toppings like sour cream, guacamole, etc.)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the chili?A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead. These are both leaner options.
• Q: Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?A: Substitute plant-based crumbles or extra beans for the ground beef to make a vegetarian version.
• Q: Can I make the chili ahead of time?A: Definitely, the chili can be prepared a day before and kept in the refrigerator. Reheat when ready to put the nachos together.
• Q: What can I use instead of kidney beans?A: Black beans or pinto beans may be used as substitutes.
• Q: Do I have to include the cayenne pepper?A: If you don’t want a lot of heat, then you can leave out the cayenne pepper.
• Q: How can I keep the nachos from getting soggy?A: Layer the chips and cheese apart from the chili, and add the chili just before serving to keep things from getting soggy.

Substitutions and Variations

For a lighter version, ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
Substituting with black beans: If you want to reduce sodium, use canned black beans, which are already lower in sodium than red kidney beans. With the same cooking time, canned black be…
If you would rather have an herb with a milder flavor, you can use parsley in place of cilantro.
Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese can be used instead of Cheddar cheese to create a different flavor profile.
To achieve a lesser degree of spiciness, substitute jalapeños with cut-up bell peppers.

Pro Tips

1. Spice Adjustments Customize the heat level to your preference by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer more heat, add a bit more, or reduce it for a milder version.

2. Layering Technique When adding the chili mixture to the tortilla chips, consider making two layers. Start with a layer of chips, add half the chili and cheese, then another layer of chips followed by the remaining chili and cheese. This ensures every bite is flavorful.

3. Cheese Varieties Mix several types of cheese for added flavor complexity. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack can give a nice melt and flavor contrast.

4. Crispier Chips Pre-bake the tortilla chips for a few minutes before adding the toppings. This helps maintain their crunch even after adding the chili and cheese.

5. Fresh Herb Garnish Just before serving, sprinkle a bit more fresh cilantro and green onions for a burst of fresh flavor. This will enhance the dish’s vibrant taste and appearance.