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Loaded Nacho Bar Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Queso Blanco Ideas

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A quick and easy loaded nacho bar featuring a creamy homemade queso blanco sauce, seasoned ground beef, and a variety of fresh toppings perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Tortilla chips (sturdy, thick-cut)
  • 8 oz (225 g) white American cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz (115 g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) butter
  • 2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 medium jalapeño, finely diced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 medium fresh tomatoes, diced
  • 3 stalks green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Pickled jalapeños (optional)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced or guacamole
  • Sour cream (for drizzling)
  • 1 cup (50 g) shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup (40 g) olives, sliced
  • Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden to make a roux.
  4. Slowly pour in whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add shredded white American and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until smooth.
  6. Stir in finely diced jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep warm on very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Prepare toppings: dice tomatoes, slice green onions, chop cilantro, slice olives, prepare avocado slices or guacamole, and drain and rinse black beans.
  8. Arrange tortilla chips on a large serving platter or plates. Spoon browned beef, black beans, and all toppings into individual bowls for self-serving.
  9. Warm queso blanco just before serving. Guests build their own nachos, drizzling queso blanco over chips and toppings. Serve with sour cream and lime wedges.

Notes

If queso blanco thickens too much, add a splash of milk and gently reheat while whisking. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to ensure proper searing. Serve chips and toppings separately to prevent sogginess. Use non-stick skillet for easier cooking. For vegetarian version, omit beef and add extra beans or grilled veggies.

Nutrition

Keywords: loaded nacho bar, queso blanco, creamy queso, ground beef nachos, homemade nachos, easy party food, Mexican appetizer

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/loaded-nacho-bar-recipe-easy-homemade-creamy-queso-blanco-ideas/