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Flavorful Taco Seasoned Nachos with Easy Fresh Pico de Gallo Recipe

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A quick and easy recipe for taco seasoned nachos topped with fresh, vibrant pico de gallo. Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or any occasion that calls for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Tortilla chips – sturdy, thick-cut
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Taco Seasoning Blend:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Fresh Pico de Gallo:
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ¼ cup finely chopped white onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 minced jalapeño (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Avocado slices or guacamole
  • Pickled jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Taco Seasoning: In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Set aside.
  2. Make the Fresh Pico de Gallo: Combine diced Roma tomatoes, chopped white onion, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeño (if using), fresh lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Stir gently and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the Meat (Optional): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Season the Meat: Sprinkle taco seasoning over cooked meat, stir to coat evenly. Add ¼ cup water and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
  5. Assemble the Nachos: Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over chips. Add seasoned meat evenly, then top with remaining cheese.
  6. Bake: Place baking sheet in oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  7. Add Fresh Pico de Gallo and Toppings: Remove nachos from oven and scatter pico de gallo on top. Add dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeños if desired.
  8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy nachos hot and fresh.

Notes

Use sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips to prevent sogginess. Let pico de gallo rest for at least 10 minutes to meld flavors. For best cheese melt, shred cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded. If cheese melts unevenly, gently shake pan halfway through baking. Tent with foil if chips brown too fast. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat in oven to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, taco seasoning, pico de gallo, easy snack, game night, Mexican, quick recipe, cheesy nachos

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/flavorful-taco-seasoned-nachos-with-easy-fresh-pico-de-gallo-recipe/