How to Make Perfect Nachos in a Cast Iron Skillet – Easy Recipe
This EasyCast Iron Skillet Nachos recipe is perfect for a quick and easy crowd-pleaser! You can easily go from stovetop to oven to table in no time.
Whether serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these nachos are super easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. Imagine digging into crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and all those delicious toppings. Yum!
Cast Iron Skillet Nachos
Equipment
- 8-inch or larger cast iron skillet
Ingredients
Seasoned Ground Beef
- ½ pound ground beef (85% lean or leaner)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
To Assemble the Nachos
- 11 ounces corn tortilla chips
- 3 cups medium cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup sliced black olives
- ½ cup pickled or fresh sliced jalapeño
Fresh Toppings
- Chopped green onion
- Guacamole or fresh diced avocado
- Pico de gallo or fresh diced tomato
Instructions
- Preheat oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) with a rack in the center.
- Make the seasoned beef. Cook the ground beef in a cast iron skillet on medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Then, add chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Keep cooking until the beef is browned and fully cooked. After that, put the cooked beef on a plate and get rid of any extra grease from the skillet. Finally, use a paper towel to wipe the skillet clean.
- Assemble the nachos. Place a single layer of corn tortilla chips in the now-empty skillet. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar cheese over the chips. Evenly distribute the cooked beef, diced red onion, sliced black olives, and sliced jalapeños over the cheese and chips. Repeat with another layer of chips, cheese, and toppings.
- Bake. Place the skillet in the preheated oven. Bake for 7-9 minutes or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve. Remove the skillet from the oven. Top the nachos with fresh toppings such as chopped green onion, guacamole or diced avocado, and pico de gallo or diced tomato. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
More Tips:
For better cooking and melting, spread out the layers of chips, cheese, and toppings. Don’t pile everything in the middle.
For extra crispy chips, heat your skillet in the oven for a few minutes before putting together the nachos.
Use thick, strong corn tortilla chips to prevent them from getting soggy. Thin chips can become too soft under the toppings.
If you chop your toppings ahead of time, you can prepare this recipe rapidly. It’s perfect for Friday evening cooking.
Serve the nachos in the cast iron skillet to keep them warm for longer. But remember to use oven mitts or trivets to protect your table and hands from the hot skillet.
About the Ingredients
Here are great ingredient alternatives to try for this recipe:
- Ground Beef: Try using ground turkey or chicken for a healthier choice.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap it out with Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
- Red Onion: Use green onions or shallots instead.
- Black Olives: Replace with sliced green olives or simply leave them out.
- Jalapeños: Replace them with milder peppers such as banana peppers or bell peppers for a mild flavor.
These changes will alter the flavor and consistency of the nachos, but don’t hesitate to experiment to match your preferences.
I hope you have a great time preparing these Cast-Iron Skillet Nachos. They’re a fantastic way to bring people together for a tasty, gratifying meal.
Whether for game nights, relaxed get-togethers, or a lively family dinner, these nachos are bound to be a hit in your home.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.