$2 Loaded Nachos | But Cheaper

tortilla chips

🥗Healthier: baked tortilla chips

💰Cheaper: pita chips

Baked chips are lower in calories, while pita chips can be more affordable.

shredded cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: block cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories, while block cheese is often cheaper than pre-shredded.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: cottage cheese

Greek yogurt is lower in fat and higher in protein, while cottage cheese can be a budget-friendly alternative.

Chop 1/2 pound of crimini mushrooms extremely fine.

Heat a 12-inch pan with a splash of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

Add the chopped mushrooms and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until moisture evaporates.

Season mushrooms with salt and scoot them to the side of the pan.

Add 1/2 pound of ground beef to the pan, season with salt, and sear for 2 minutes.

Flip the beef and sear for another 2 minutes, then chop it into a fine crumble with a spatula.

Add 1 can of chipotle peppers in adobo (juice only) and stir in a pinch of ground cumin and 3 cloves of chopped garlic.

Cook until the beef is crisp to your liking.

Cut corn tortillas into sixths to make chips.

Heat 1 1/2 quarts of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a pot.

Fry the tortilla pieces in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly toasted, then season with salt.

In a medium saucepan, melt 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Whisk in 1 1/2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 30 to 40 seconds.

Slowly whisk in 1 cup of whole milk and thicken the mixture.

Add 1/2 cup of grated American cheese and 1 cup of grated cheddar cheese, whisking until smooth.

Prepare guacamole by mashing 1 avocado with salt and lime juice to taste.

Thinly slice 1/2 red onion and rinse to reduce the bite.

Blister 4 oz of cherry tomatoes in a hot pan for 2 minutes until softened.

Char 1 ear of corn over an open flame, then remove the kernels.

Layer half of the chips on a plate, followed by the beef, nacho cheese, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and any other toppings desired.

Repeat with the remaining chips and toppings for a second layer.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens