Name: Carne Asada Nachos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4-6
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 12 ounces); 2 cups nacho cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup pico de gallo; 1 cup guacamole for nachos; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional); Fresh cilantro for garnish

Carne Asada Nachos are a deliciously satisfying dish perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a meal on game day. With layers of crispy tortilla chips, grilled carne asada, melted nacho cheese sauce, and fresh toppings, this Tex-Mex delight is sure to become a favorite. The combination of flavors and textures—from the crunch of the chips to the juiciness of the carne asada—creates an irresistible snack or meal. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or prepping a quick and easy dinner, these nachos are both flavorful and customizable, making them a go-to option for any occasion. The variety of toppings allows everyone to personalize their plate, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience.

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak – Flank steak is often preferred for its flavor, while skirt steak can be more tender, so choose according to your taste. Both cuts benefit from marination for enhanced flavor.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor, but regular olive oil works too; consider using flavored oils for a unique twist.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice – Freshly squeezed lime juice provides the best flavor; avoid bottled lime juice if possible for a fresher taste that brightens the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives a robust taste; you can add more if you’re a garlic lover, enhancing the aromatic qualities of the carne asada.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – This spice adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile, making the dish more complex and enjoyable.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder – Look for a blend that suits your heat preference; this can be adjusted according to your taste for spiciness.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Use kosher salt for a balanced seasoning, applying it generously for flavors that pop.
For the Nachos:
- 1 large bag of tortilla chips (about 12 ounces) – Opt for thick-cut, sturdy chips to hold up under toppings; avoid thin chips that may break easily when loaded.
- 2 cups nacho cheese sauce (homemade or store-bought) – For homemade sauce, use a blend of cheese for complexity, such as cheddar and pepper jack, to achieve a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – This cheese melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture; feel free to mix with other cheeses like cheddar for added richness.
For Toppings:
- 1 cup pico de gallo (see below for a simple pico de gallo recipe) – Fresh pico adds a burst of flavor and color, contributing acidity that balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1 cup guacamole for nachos – Creamy guacamole enhances the overall richness of the dish; consider adding lime juice for freshness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream – Adds a cooling element to balance the spices; look for full-fat sour cream for the best texture.
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional for spicy nacho toppings) – Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance; roasting the jalapeños beforehand can deepen their flavor.
- Fresh cilantro for garnish – This adds freshness and also a pop of color to the nachos, making them visually appealing on the table.

Steps / Instructions

Prepare the Carne Asada: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Marinate the flank steak in this mixture for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for more flavor; longer marination will yield a more tender and flavorful steak, allowing the spices to infuse deeply.
Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade; this step is crucial to prevent burning. Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness—use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy (130-135°F for medium-rare). Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness; this technique ensures each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Prepare the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 350°F. On a large baking sheet, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer, ensuring none are overlapping for optimal crispiness. Pour the nacho cheese sauce over the chips, ensuring even coverage; use a spoon to gently coax the sauce into all nooks and crannies, allowing the cheese sauce to permeate every chip.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese generously over the nacho cheese sauce. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly; keep an eye out for the cheese starting to turn slightly golden brown, which indicates it’s ready and adds extra flavor.
Assemble the Nachos: Remove the nachos from the oven and top them with the grilled carne asada slices, layering them evenly across the dish. Add pico de gallo and guacamole on top, followed by dollops of sour cream and slices of jalapeño if desired. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal; serving immediately ensures the nachos maintain their crisp texture and delicious flavors.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve the best Carne Asada Nachos, here are some practical tips: You can learn more about this topic.

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality tortilla chips and fresh ingredients for the toppings to enhance the flavors significantly. Always choose chips that are thick enough to support the toppings without becoming soggy; this makes a big difference in texture.
Meal Prep: Prepare the carne asada and toppings ahead of time. The grilled carne asada can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making this a great option for meal prep nachos. You can also prepare the pico de gallo and guacamole a day in advance to save time, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
Cheese Sauce: For a homemade nacho cheese sauce, consider making a simple cheese sauce using shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and a bit of flour for thickness. Alternatively, adding a splash of jalapeño juice can give your cheese sauce an extra kick! Experimenting with different cheeses can also yield delightful results.
Common Mistakes: Avoid overloading your nachos with toppings, as this can make them soggy. Layer the toppings judiciously to maintain that perfect crispiness. Also, ensure to serve immediately after assembling for the best texture and flavor; letting them sit too long can cause the chips to lose their crunch.

Variations

While this recipe focuses on the classic carne asada, feel free to customize it: Check out our related guide for more tips.

Vegetarian Option: Substitute the carne asada with grilled vegetables or black beans for a delicious vegetarian version. Roasted peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms can add great flavor and texture; consider marinating the veggies for added depth.
Gluten-Free: Ensure your tortilla chips are gluten-free and serve with gluten-free toppings to cater to dietary needs; there are many tasty gluten-free chip options available.
Spicy Kick: Add spicy nacho toppings like jalapeños, banana peppers, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. You can also mix diced habaneros into the guacamole for a fiery twist, turning up the heat to satisfy spice lovers.

Serving Suggestions

Carne Asada Nachos are perfect as a main dish or appetizer. Pair them with a refreshing homemade salsa, or serve them alongside classic Mexican drinks like a chilled horchata or a margarita. For garnishing, consider adding fresh cilantro or slices of avocado for visual appeal. You can also serve with a side of fresh lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their nachos, elevating the overall flavor experience while adding a zesty finish to each bite.