Beef Jerky Nachos Recipe

ByBob Jones

In creating the ideal snack or party dish, Beef Jerky Nachos surely stand out as the perfect choice. They provide an amazing flavor profile and a nourishing hit of protein that my husband and kids all love.

Like any kind of nachos, these are fun to eat. And for all you texters out there, these nachos are excellent drippy nachos.

They possess so much creative potential: You could go ultra-classic with your nacho toppings, or you could live in a crown of nacho kings and top these nachos with lobster. (Which I challenge you to try and not love.) With 12 ounces of tortilla chips and roughly 9 ounces of beef jerky, however, you could and should definitely share these nachos with a friend, or else suffer nacho overflowing in your next stinky container.

Nutritionally speaking, does it even count as a nacho if it’s not drippy? In seriousness, though—consider the sour cream and salsa.

Every topping once ground and sauce-y is practically a health food.

Ingredients photo for Beef Jerky Nachos Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Beef Jerky Nachos Recipe

Tortilla Chips:
Base that is crispy, carb-loaded, and perfect for holding toppings.

Beef Jerky:
Filled with protein, umami, and a chewy bite.

Cheddar Cheese:
Creamy and rich, a source of calcium, a melty, dreamy delight.

Jalapeños:
Adds heat to the dish, spikes metabolism, delivers a zesty punch.

Sour Cream:
Chilled and zesty, spice-balancing richness in lipid content.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 12 ounces tortilla chips

  • 8 ounces beef jerky, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños

  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes

  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives

  • 1/2 cup sour cream

  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions

  • 1/4 cup salsa

  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to heat up while you prepare the next steps.

2. Evenly distribute the tortilla chips across a sizable baking sheet or safe-to-use-in-the-oven platter.

3. Evenly distribute the thinly sliced beef jerky across the tortilla chips.

4. Evenly distribute the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef jerky and tortilla chips.

5. The sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives are scattered over the chips, which are topped with cheese.

6. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

7. To melt and bubble the cheese, bake for 10-15 minutes.

8. Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool a bit before you put on the toppings.

9. Evenly dollop the sour cream over the nachos. Next, add the chopped green onions and salsa.

10. If you want to, add fresh cilantro as a garnish. Then serve the dish warm and right away. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Preheat the oven.
2. Use a baking sheet or a platter that can safely go in the oven.
3. Use a knife that is appropriate for the food being cut.
4. A cutting board is appropriate for any type of food.
5. Use measuring cups to accurately measure ingredients.
6. Use spoons that are appropriate to dollop ingredients.
7. Don’t forget your oven mitts—you’ll need them!
8. The food should be served on an appropriate plate or platter.

FAQ

  • Q: Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?You can use Monterey Jack or pepper jack instead, and you’ll get the same results with perhaps a little more oomph, if you like your food with a spicy kick.

  • Q: How do I prevent the chips from getting soggy?To maintain crispness, layer the chips and toppings just before serving. To keep the salsa from making the nachos soggy, avoid placing excessive amounts on top.

  • Q: Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?You can use a plant-based jerky or roasted chickpeas instead of beef jerky for a vegetarian version.

  • Q: Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?You can prepare all the toppings ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Then you can assemble the dish at your leisure.

  • Q: What’s the best way to serve these nachos?A: For the best taste and texture, serve them promptly on a sizable platter or tray just after putting them together.

  • Q: Can I add extra toppings to this recipe?Certainly! You can definitely add avocado, corn kernels, or hot sauce to increase the deliciousness factor.

  • Q: How long should I bake the nachos?There’s no baking necessary, so you can just put it all together and serve it, but if you want melted cheese—really, who doesn’t?—it only takes 5-7 minutes at 350°F.

Substitutions and Variations

Tortilla chips: Swap out for a crunch of a different kind with pita chips or corn chips.
Beef jerky: Use thinly sliced grilled chicken or turkey jerky as a stand-in.
Shredded cheddar cheese: For a different flavor profile, try using Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
To achieve a sweeter flavor, substitute cherry tomatoes for the standard diced variety.
Substitute Greek yogurt or crème fraîche for sour cream.