Description
Ever wished you could carry a plate of nachos anywhere without making a mess? Say hello to Deluxe Walking Nachos! These genius snacks pack all the bold, spicy, and cheesy goodness of nachos into portable chip bags, perfect for game days, picnics, or a fun family dinner. With a hearty chili made of beef, beans, and zesty spices, plus your favorite toppings, this dish is a flavor explosion that’s easy to make and even easier to love
Ingredients
The heart of Deluxe Walking Nachos lies in its simple, bold ingredients. Here’s what you need and why each one matters:
- Lean Ground Beef (1 pound, 90% lean): Provides a hearty, protein-packed base for the chili with less fat for a lighter dish.
- Sweet Onion (1 large, chopped): Adds sweet, savory depth as it softens in the chili.
- Garlic Cloves (3, minced): Brings bold, aromatic flavor to the chili.
- Diced Tomatoes with Mild Green Chiles (2 cans, 14-1/2 ounces each, 1 drained): Creates a zesty, slightly spicy base with a Tex-Mex vibe.
- Pinto Beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each, rinsed and drained): Adds creamy texture and extra protein to make the chili filling.
- Black Beans (2 cans, 15 ounces each, rinsed and drained): Brings earthy flavor and a hearty texture to the mix.
- Chili Powder (2 to 3 tablespoons): Gives the chili its smoky, spicy kick. Adjust for your preferred heat level.
- Ground Cumin (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, earthy notes that are key to the chili’s flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together.
- Nacho-Flavored Tortilla Chips (18 packages, 1 ounce each): The crunchy, cheesy base that makes these nachos portable and fun.
- Optional Toppings: Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Tomatoes, Pickled Jalapeño Slices: Add creamy, tangy, and spicy elements to customize each serving.
Substitutions and Variations
- Beef: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Tomatoes: Use regular diced tomatoes or fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier flavor. Skip the chiles for a milder version.
- Beans: Substitute pinto or black beans with kidney beans, navy beans, or omit for a bean-free chili.
- Chili Powder: Make your own blend with 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne if you don’t have chili powder.
- Chips: Use plain tortilla chips, corn chips, or even Doritos for a different flavor.
- Toppings: Try guacamole, diced avocado, green onions, or salsa for extra flair.
Pro Tip: Rinse and drain the beans well to reduce sodium and keep the chili’s texture balanced.
Instructions
Making Deluxe Walking Nachos is a snap with a skillet and slow cooker. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef, 1 large chopped sweet onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Break up the beef into crumbles and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Tip: Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small, even pieces for better texture.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker:
- Move the beef mixture to a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Tip: Scrape the skillet to get all the flavorful bits into the slow cooker.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings:
- Drain 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes with mild green chiles, discarding the liquid. Add the drained tomatoes to the slow cooker.
- Add the second can of tomatoes (undrained), 2 cans (15 ounces each) rinsed and drained pinto beans, 2 cans (15 ounces each) rinsed and drained black beans, 2-3 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Tip: Start with 2 tablespoons chili powder and add more later if you want extra spice.
- Stir and Cook:
- Stir gently to combine all ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens.
- Tip: Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Mash the Beans:
- Just before serving, mash some of the beans with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to thicken the chili to your desired consistency.
- Tip: Mash lightly for a chunkier texture or more for a creamier chili.
- Prep the Chip Bags:
- Cut open 18 (1-ounce) nacho-flavored tortilla chip bags along the top or side to create a “bowl.”
- Tip: Use scissors for a clean cut, and open bags just before serving to keep chips crisp.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Divide the chili among the chip bags (about 1/3 cup per bag). Top with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese (1-2 tablespoons per bag), a dollop of sour cream, chopped tomatoes, or pickled jalapeño slices.
- Tip: Serve with small spoons or forks for easy eating on the go.
Cooking Technique Tips:
- Drain the Beef: Removing excess fat keeps the chili from being greasy.
- Adjust Thickness: Mash more beans for a thicker chili or add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
- Keep Chips Fresh: Don’t add chili to the chip bags until ready to serve to maintain crunch.