Cast-Iron Macho Nachos

Looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser? Whether it's game day, a casual dinner, or a party appetizer, these Cast-Iron Layered Macho Nachos are your answer. Crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, melted cheese, and all your favorite toppings – this recipe is simple, customizable, and utterly delicious. Get ready to impress with this easy, oven-baked sensation!

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground chuck (or ground turkey, chicken, or pork)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade, see note)
• ⅔ cup water
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 large bag tortilla chips
• 4 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• Sour cream, for topping
• Salsa, for topping
• Jalapeño slices, for topping

Equipment:

• Large cast-iron skillet
• Medium skillet
• Baking rack

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
• Place a baking rack at least twelve inches below the oven broiler and preheat the oven to broil.
• In a medium skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck, draining any excess grease.
• Add the water and taco seasoning mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 4-5 minutes, or until the liquid has mostly evaporated.
• Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Assemble the First Layer:
• Place a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of the cast-iron skillet.
• Sprinkle half of the ground beef mixture and half of the black beans over the chips.
• Top with 1-2 cups of shredded cheese.
3. Melt the Cheese (First Round):
• Place the skillet on the baking rack under the broiler for 1-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
4. Assemble the Second Layer:
• Add another layer of tortilla chips, followed by the remaining ground beef mixture and black beans.
• Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese (Second Round) and Add Toppings:
• Place the skillet back under the broiler and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbling, about 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully.
• Remove from the oven.
• Dollop sour cream and salsa over the nachos, and top with jalapeño slices.
6. Serve Immediately:
• Serve the nachos immediately in the cast-iron skillet while still hot, with additional salsa and sour cream on the side.

Tips and Variations:

• Homemade Taco Seasoning: For a homemade taco seasoning, search for "DIY Taco Seasoning" online for many easy recipes.
• Customize Your Nachos:
• Swap ground beef for chicken, turkey, or pork.
• Add other toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, or chopped cilantro.
• Leave out the meat for vegetarian nachos.
• Add other beans, like pinto or refried.
• Cheese Variety: Use your favorite shredded cheese or a blend of cheeses.
• Watch the Broiler: Broilers can heat very quickly, so keep a close eye on the nachos to prevent burning.
• Serving: Serving directly from the cast iron keeps the nachos warm for longer.