Print

Crispy Cast Iron Loaded Skillet Nachos

crispy cast iron skillet nachos - featured image
Print Recipe

A rustic and indulgent campfire snack featuring crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned meat or beans, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, cooked in a cast iron skillet for unbeatable crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups sturdy tortilla chips (about 120 g)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack blend, about 200 g)
  • 1 cup refried beans (240 ml), warmed
  • 1 pound (450 g) cooked ground beef or turkey, seasoned with 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • Sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), to taste
  • Chopped green onions, to taste
  • Diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained well), to taste
  • Sliced black olives (optional), to taste
  • Sour cream, for serving
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
  • Taco seasoning blend (cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)

Instructions

  1. Build a campfire and let it burn down to glowing embers for even, manageable heat (about 30-40 minutes).
  2. Brown 1 pound of ground beef or turkey with 1 tablespoon taco seasoning until fully cooked; drain excess fat and set aside. If using beans, warm about 1 cup refried beans.
  3. Place cast iron skillet over the fire grate and warm for about 5 minutes until hot but not smoking.
  4. Start with a single layer of tortilla chips covering the skillet bottom (about 4 cups). Spoon dollops of refried beans evenly on top.
  5. Sprinkle cooked meat evenly over the beans, followed by 2 cups of shredded cheese.
  6. Add another chip layer (about 2 cups), more beans, meat, and cheese until all ingredients are used or skillet is full (usually 2-3 layers).
  7. Place skillet back over embers and cover loosely with foil or cast iron lid. Cook for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally until cheese is melted and bubbly and chip edges are crisp and golden.
  8. Remove from heat and scatter sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, black olives, and chopped green onions on top.
  9. Spoon on sour cream and sprinkle fresh cilantro before serving directly from the skillet.

Notes

Manage heat carefully to avoid burning chips; use a lid or foil to trap heat and melt cheese thoroughly. Layer ingredients thinly for even cooking and maximum crispiness. If cooking indoors, preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) and bake skillet nachos for 5-7 minutes after briefly cooking on stovetop.

Nutrition

Keywords: nachos, cast iron skillet, campfire snack, loaded nachos, crispy nachos, easy snack, outdoor cooking

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/crispy-cast-iron-loaded-skillet-nachos-recipe-easy-campfire-snack-ideas/