Introduction: Craving a Fun, Portable Tex-Mex Feast?
Want a bold, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties or game-day snacking? Deluxe Walking Nachos are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish features a hearty beef and bean chili, spiced with chili powder and cumin, served right in single-serve bags of nacho-flavored tortilla chips. Top with cheese, sour cream, and jalapeños for a customizable treat! Ideal for casual gatherings, tailgates, or family fun, these nachos are easy to prep and deliver big, zesty flavor. Ready to create a delicious, handheld meal everyone will love? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Overview: Why Deluxe Walking Nachos Are Special
Deluxe Walking Nachos are a creative, portable twist on classic nachos, combining slow-cooked chili with individual chip bags for a mess-free, fun experience. The beefy, spicy chili makes it stand out. Here’s why it’s so special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes prep, 6-8 hours cooking on Low, plus 5 minutes assembly, for a total of about 6-8 hours (mostly hands-off).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Simple stovetop and slow-cooker steps make it great for beginners or busy cooks.
- Why It’s Unique: The slow cooker melds lean ground beef, beans, and tomatoes into a thick, flavorful chili, enhanced by chili powder and cumin. Serving it in nacho chip bags creates a portable, single-serve meal, perfect for on-the-go eating. Optional toppings like cheddar, sour cream, and jalapeños let everyone customize their nachos, making this a versatile hit for any occasion.
This recipe is bold, fun, and perfect for nacho lovers or fans of Tex-Mex flavors. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
This recipe serves 18 (one bag per person) and uses simple ingredients for a hearty, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Chili:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, divided
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Assembly and Toppings:
- 18 packages (1 ounce each) nacho-flavored tortilla chips (e.g., Doritos)
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, pickled jalapeño slices
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Lean beef provides protein and savory flavor without excess fat.
- Sweet Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic, savory warmth.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Contribute tangy, mildly spicy flavor (e.g., Rotel).
- Pinto and Black Beans: Add heartiness, fiber, and creamy texture.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: Deliver bold, smoky, and earthy Tex-Mex taste.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors.
- Nacho Tortilla Chips: Crunchy, cheesy base for the chili, served in portable bags.
- Toppings: Cheese melts into gooey goodness, sour cream adds creaminess, tomatoes bring freshness, and jalapeños offer heat.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat crumbles for vegetarian.
- Onion: Use yellow onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Garlic: Replace with 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Tomatoes: Use regular diced tomatoes plus 1/4 cup diced green chiles or salsa.
- Beans: Substitute with kidney beans, great northern beans, or one type of bean.
- Chili Powder: Adjust to 1 tablespoon for less heat or add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for more spice.
- Chips: Use plain tortilla chips, Fritos, or gluten-free chips.
- Toppings: Add guacamole, diced avocado, green onions, or hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Check chips, tomatoes, and chili powder for additives; recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
- Lower Fat: Use 93% lean beef, skip cheese, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot diced tomatoes with chiles or add 1 fresh chopped jalapeño to the chili.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Deluxe Walking Nachos is simple, with a quick stovetop start and slow-cooker finish, followed by fun assembly in chip bags. Follow these steps for a perfect dish!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop 1 large sweet onion.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Open 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles; drain one can and reserve the other undrained.
- Rinse and drain 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans and 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans.
- Measure 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Prepare 18 packages (1 ounce each) nacho-flavored tortilla chips.
- Set out optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and pickled jalapeño slices.
Tip: Prep toppings while the chili cooks to save time.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Cook Beef and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up beef evenly; draining fat keeps the chili from being greasy.
Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture to a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the drained can of diced tomatoes and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Add Beans and Spices: Stir in pinto beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt until well combined.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid mashing beans; the mixture will look chunky but will thicken during cooking.
Step 4: Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
- Mash Beans: Before serving, mash beans slightly with a potato masher or spoon to reach desired consistency (creamy or chunky).
Tip: Check at 6 hours; stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. Longer cooking deepens flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Chip Bags: Just before serving, cut open the top or side of each nacho-flavored tortilla chip bag to create a wide opening.
- Add Chili: Spoon about 1/2 cup of hot chili into each chip bag, directly over the chips.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, and top with chopped tomatoes and pickled jalapeño slices, as desired.
- Serve: Hand out bags with spoons or forks for easy eating, along with extra napkins.
Tip: Serve immediately to keep chips crunchy; set up a topping bar for guests to customize their nachos.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Deluxe Walking Nachos
Assembling Deluxe Walking Nachos is all about creating a portable, flavorful meal in chip bags for a fun, interactive experience. Here’s how to put it together:
- Cook Beef Mixture: Brown beef with onion and garlic for a savory base.
- Build Chili: Combine beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook: Let the chili simmer to meld flavors and thicken.
- Prep Chip Bags: Open nacho chip bags for individual servings.
- Layer and Top: Add chili and toppings to each bag for a handheld feast.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in the chip bags for a playful, portable vibe, or on plates for a traditional nacho look.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, extra jalapeños, or a lime wedge for color.
- Pair with a Mexican soda, iced tea, or a margarita mocktail for a Tex-Mex feel.
- Use a tray or basket to hold chip bags for easy distribution at parties.
Serving Suggestions
Deluxe Walking Nachos are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas to enjoy them:
- Game-Day Party: Serve with sliders, wings, and a veggie tray for a tailgate spread.
- Casual Gathering: Set up a nacho bar with extra toppings like guacamole and salsa.
- Family Fun Night: Let kids add their favorite toppings for a customizable meal.
- Outdoor Events: Pack chip bags in a cooler for picnics or barbecues; add chili and toppings on-site.
- With Sides: Pair with corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a fruit salad for balance.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The chili for Deluxe Walking Nachos is great for leftovers or meal prep, but chips should be fresh. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store chili (without chips or toppings) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chili in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of broth, about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. Serve with fresh chips and toppings.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Chili: Prepare chili up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate in the slow cooker insert. Reheat on Low for 1-2 hours before serving.
- Ingredients: Chop onion, mince garlic, and rinse beans up to 1 day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chili (without chips or toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, reheat with a splash of broth, and serve with fresh chips and toppings.
Tip: Use fresh chips for each serving to avoid sogginess; chili reheats well for multiple meals.
Recipe Variations
Deluxe Walking Nachos are versatile and easy to tweak. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Extra Spicy: Use hot diced tomatoes with chiles and add 1 fresh jalapeño to the chili.
- Cheesy Deluxe: Mix 1/2 cup cheese sauce into the chili or double the shredded cheddar.
- Gluten-Free: Check chips, tomatoes, and chili powder for additives; recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
- Lower Fat: Use 93% lean beef, skip cheese, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Vegetarian Nachos: Swap beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans (e.g., kidney beans).
- Loaded Nachos: Add bacon crumbles, diced avocado, or a drizzle of queso as toppings.
- Stovetop Option: After browning beef, simmer chili ingredients in a pot on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, then serve in chip bags.
Tip: Keep the nacho chips and bean-heavy chili for the signature walking nacho vibe.
Conclusion: Savor Your Deluxe Walking Nachos!
You’ve just made Deluxe Walking Nachos—a bold, fun, and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This slow-cooker recipe is easy, versatile, and so tasty it’ll become a go-to for gatherings. Whether you load them with jalapeños or keep it mild, these nachos are sure to impress. Grab a chip bag, dig into the chili, and enjoy the Tex-Mex vibes. What’s your favorite nacho topping? Share your ideas in the comments, and happy cooking!
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Deluxe Walking Nachos
Description
Want a bold, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for parties or game-day snacking? Deluxe Walking Nachos are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish features a hearty beef and bean chili, spiced with chili powder and cumin, served right in single-serve bags of nacho-flavored tortilla chips.
Ingredients
- For the Chili:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, divided
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Assembly and Toppings:
- 18 packages (1 ounce each) nacho-flavored tortilla chips (e.g., Doritos)
- Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, pickled jalapeño slices
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Lean beef provides protein and savory flavor without excess fat.
- Sweet Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the chili.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic, savory warmth.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles: Contribute tangy, mildly spicy flavor (e.g., Rotel).
- Pinto and Black Beans: Add heartiness, fiber, and creamy texture.
- Chili Powder and Cumin: Deliver bold, smoky, and earthy Tex-Mex taste.
- Salt: Enhances all flavors.
- Nacho Tortilla Chips: Crunchy, cheesy base for the chili, served in portable bags.
- Toppings: Cheese melts into gooey goodness, sour cream adds creaminess, tomatoes bring freshness, and jalapeños offer heat.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat crumbles for vegetarian.
- Onion: Use yellow onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Garlic: Replace with 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Tomatoes: Use regular diced tomatoes plus 1/4 cup diced green chiles or salsa.
- Beans: Substitute with kidney beans, great northern beans, or one type of bean.
- Chili Powder: Adjust to 1 tablespoon for less heat or add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for more spice.
- Chips: Use plain tortilla chips, Fritos, or gluten-free chips.
- Toppings: Add guacamole, diced avocado, green onions, or hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Check chips, tomatoes, and chili powder for additives; recipe is naturally gluten-free otherwise.
- Lower Fat: Use 93% lean beef, skip cheese, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot diced tomatoes with chiles or add 1 fresh chopped jalapeño to the chili.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Chop 1 large sweet onion.
- Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- Open 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles; drain one can and reserve the other undrained.
- Rinse and drain 2 cans (15 ounces each) pinto beans and 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans.
- Measure 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Prepare 18 packages (1 ounce each) nacho-flavored tortilla chips.
- Set out optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped tomatoes, and pickled jalapeño slices.
Tip: Prep toppings while the chili cooks to save time.
Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture
- Cook Beef and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break up beef evenly; draining fat keeps the chili from being greasy.
Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the beef mixture to a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Add Tomatoes: Add the drained can of diced tomatoes and the undrained can of diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- Add Beans and Spices: Stir in pinto beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, and salt until well combined.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid mashing beans; the mixture will look chunky but will thicken during cooking.
Step 4: Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours, until flavors meld and chili thickens.
- Mash Beans: Before serving, mash beans slightly with a potato masher or spoon to reach desired consistency (creamy or chunky).
Tip: Check at 6 hours; stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. Longer cooking deepens flavors.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Chip Bags: Just before serving, cut open the top or side of each nacho-flavored tortilla chip bag to create a wide opening.
- Add Chili: Spoon about 1/2 cup of hot chili into each chip bag, directly over the chips.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, add a dollop of sour cream, and top with chopped tomatoes and pickled jalapeño slices, as desired.
- Serve: Hand out bags with spoons or forks for easy eating, along with extra napkins.
Tip: Serve immediately to keep chips crunchy; set up a topping bar for guests to customize their nachos.
FAQs
Q: Are Deluxe Walking Nachos healthy?
A: Beef and beans offer protein and fiber, but chips and cheese add fat and calories. Use lean beef, low-fat cheese, or serve with a veggie side for a lighter option. Smaller portions help, too.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes! Ground turkey (90% lean) works well; cook and drain as directed. It may have a milder flavor, so consider adding 1/2 teaspoon extra chili powder.
Q: Why are my chips soggy?
A: Adding chili too early or using hot chili can soften chips. Serve chili immediately after spooning into fresh chip bags, and don’t overfill to keep chips crunchy.
Q: Can I make this without a slow cooker?
A: Yes! After browning beef, simmer chili ingredients in a pot on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve in chip bags with toppings.
Q: Can I make smaller portions?
A: Yes! Halve the recipe (use a 3-quart slow cooker) for 8-9 servings, or use half-size chip bags (0.5 ounce) for kid-friendly portions.
Q: Can I freeze Deluxe Walking Nachos?
A: Freeze cooked chili (without chips or toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge, reheat with a splash of broth, and serve with fresh chips and toppings.