Denise's "Famous" Nachos Recipe

"This is an interesting recipe in that it doesn't have your typical nacho toppings such as yellow cheese, salsa or sour cream. It really isn't necessary. The combination of the queso cheese with a large amount of fresh vegetable toppings is really the key to this dish. You can make your own tacos seasoning and you can use your own homemade queso. This is not a super spicy nacho, but you can add all the jalapeno you like to really kick it up."

Ingredients

Add to Shopping List

1 pound ground round
1 1.25 ounce package taco seasoning, or your own homemade seasoning
4 large tomatoes, finely diced
5 green onion, finely diced

Jalapeno, very finely diced, optional
1 1/2 cups prepared queso, or your homemade queso
13 ounce bag tortilla chips

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (288.9 g)
Calories 469.3
Total Fat - 18.9 g
Saturated Fat - 7 g
Cholesterol - 71.2 mg
Sodium - 446.8 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 48.6 g
Dietary Fiber - 4.6 g
Sugars - 7.4 g
Protein - 26.5 g
Calcium - 236.4 mg
Iron - 3.1 mg
Vitamin C - 26.5 mg
Thiamin - 0.2 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Brown ground round in a large skillet. Add taco seasoning, following package directions. If using homemade seasoning, use about 2 tablespoons and 1/2 cup of water. Simmer for 5-10 minutes. While ground round mixture is simmering, heat the queso in the microwave until hot, smooth and creamy.

Step 2

To prepare - layer the tortilla chips on a large sheet pan or platter. I use a jelly roll pan. You probably will not use the whole bag of chips.

Step 3

Layer the season ground round on top of the tortillas, pour the queso over all. Top with the green onion and tomato - add the jalapeno, if desired and serve.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

For the freshest ingredients, buy the ground round, tomatoes, green onions, and jalapenos from the produce section of your local grocery store.
For a spicier nacho, add more jalapeno or use a spicier taco seasoning.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute ground round with ground turkey for a leaner option. This substitution will help reduce the fat content of the dish, making it a healthier option.
Substitute the queso with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option. This substitution allows the dish to be enjoyed by those who are vegan or lactose-intolerant.

Variations

Vegetarian Nachos Substitute the ground round with a vegetarian protein such as black beans or cooked quinoa. Omit the taco seasoning and instead add 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the beans or quinoa and cook for 5 minutes. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.

Vegan Nachos Substitute the ground round with cooked vegan protein such as vegan crumbles or cooked lentils. Omit the taco seasoning and instead add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder to the vegan crumbles or lentils and cook for 5 minutes. Use vegan cheese and vegan sour cream as toppings. Follow the rest of the recipe as instructed.

Serve with

Mexican Rice: Mexican Rice is a great accompaniment to Denise's "Famous" Nachos. It is a simple dish to make and is a great way to add a bit of extra flavor to the meal. The combination of the tomato, onion, and jalapeno in the nachos pairs nicely with the Mexican Rice, adding a bit of sweetness to the meal.

Refried Beans: Refried Beans are a delicious and flavorful side dish to serve alongside Denise's "Famous" Nachos. The creamy texture of the beans helps to balance out the spiciness of the nachos, while the flavor of the beans adds a nice depth to the meal. The combination of the two dishes makes for a delicious and filling meal that everyone can enjoy.

FAQ

Q: What type of ground beef should I use?

A: For this recipe, it is best to use ground round beef. Ground round is a lean cut of beef and is perfect for dishes like nachos.

Q: What is the best way to store nachos?

A: It is best to store nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Nachos should be eaten within 2-3 days of being made.

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1:Denise's "Famous" Nachos have been served at the White House for over 20 years! It is a favorite of President Obama and his family.

Fun Fact 2:The original recipe for Denise's "Famous" Nachos was created by Denise Austin, a famous fitness guru and celebrity who has been featured on numerous television shows.