Skillet Nachos Recipe : Season 5, Ep. 7 - Chef Julie Yoon

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: plain yogurt

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: monterey jack cheese

Monterey jack provides similar meltability at a lower cost.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: canned black beans

Canned black beans are a budget-friendly protein alternative.

jalapeños

🥗Healthier: banana peppers

💰Cheaper: pickled jalapeños

Pickled jalapeños are often cheaper and still provide a kick.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Finely dice one onion.

Smash and mince three cloves of garlic.

Prepare one jalapeño, optionally removing seeds for less heat.

Roughly chop two scallions (green onions) and cilantro leaves.

Seed and dice one tomato.

Score and scoop out the flesh of one avocado, then squeeze lime juice on top.

Gather pickled jalapeño slices for garnish.

Heat about two tablespoons of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Add one pound of ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Season the beef with salt and black pepper to taste.

Add two tablespoons of chili powder, one tablespoon of cumin, and two teaspoons of ground coriander; cook for about one minute until fragrant.

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and jalapeño to the skillet; cook for about 3 minutes until softened.

Pour in half a cup of water to help meld the spices and aromatics together.

Stir in one 15-ounce can of drained pinto beans and cook for another minute.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Spread the beef mixture into an even layer in the skillet.

Place tortilla chips on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for a few minutes until warm.

Once the chips are ready, layer them over the beef mixture in the skillet.

Top with one cup (about four ounces) of Monterey Jack cheese and one cup of chihuahua cheese.

Optionally, broil the skillet for a few minutes to melt the cheese further.

Serve topped with diced tomato, scallions, cilantro, avocado, and pickled jalapeños.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens