$2 Loaded Nachos | But Cheaper
These homemade nachos have a presence on the table, and they’re real easy to make.
Joshua Weissman•
Aug 18, 2025
Ingredients (29)
Beef
Chips
Nacho Sauce
Toppers
Directions
Beef
To a 12” pan, add enough oil (1 ½ quarts) to coat the bottom of the pan, set over medium-high, and add all your mushrooms (½ lb) once hot. Let those cook, steering often, about 3 to 4 minutes or until their moisture has evaporated and they are starting to pick up some color—season to taste with salt.
Set the mushrooms (½ lb) to one side of the pan, add more oil to the pan if necessary, and add ground beef (½ lb). Press it down, season with salt to taste, sear for around 2 minutes.
Flip, season with salt and pepper ( to taste) and let it sear for another 2 minutes. Using a potato masher, chop the beef until a fine crumble.
Mix the beef (½ lb) and the mushrooms (½ lb), then mix in chipotle juices (1 can), pressing down through a fine mesh strainer. Add cumin (1 tsp) (optional), then add garlic (3 cloves) and mix it in.
Chips
Fill up a heavy bottom pot just over halfway with vegetable oil (1 ½ quarts). Heat to 350°F, then add your chips (1 bag) in batches to avoid overcrowding and fry for 2 to 3 minutes; tossing occasionally.
Remove with a spider, place on a baking sheet with a wire rack, and season with salt to taste while hot. Repeat with the rest of your tortillas (1 bag).
Nacho Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add butter (1 ½ Tbsp); once melted, add flour (1 ½ Tbsp), whisk together, and let it cook while stirring often for 30 to 40 seconds. Then whisk in milk (1 cup); add paprika (1 tsp), cumin (½ tsp), and garlic powder (1 tsp) once it starts to thicken.
Then, whisk in American cheese (½ cup) and cheddar cheese (1 cup); keep whisking until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk (1 cup). Season with salt ( to taste) and pepper ( to taste) if needed.
Toppers
Avocado - In a small bowl, add avocado (1 large), smash it with a fork, and add lime juice (1 Tbsp) and salt to taste.
Tomatoes - In a medium saucepan, over medium-high, add a splash of oil, then add tomatoes (4 oz), occasionally swirling until they blister and lightly soften.
Corn - Charr your corn (1 ear) on an open flame and turn it occasionally, about 1 minute; remove the kernels and place in a small bowl.
Assembly - On a plate, place ½ of your tortillas chips, then add beef mixture, followed by the nacho cheese sauce, some of your cherry tomatoes scattered, and a little bit of corn. Then add red onion (½), some serranos (2), and cilantro leaves (½ bunch). Add the other half of your tortilla chips, and repeat; this time, add more cheese, a light dollop of sour cream (1 cup), guacamole (1 large), and garnish with cilantro leaves (½ bunch).
