Chili Cheese Skillet Nachos (25-27 Minutes)

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Grab your friends and dig into these mouth-watering chili cheese skillet nachos! With a crispy tortilla base topped with hearty chili and molten cheese, every bite promises an explosion of flavors. What’s fun about this dish is its versatility; add your favorite toppings or keep it simple. Either way, this skillet delight promises a communal eating experience that’s as enjoyable as it’s delicious.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 bag (13 oz) tortilla chips
  • 2 cups prepared chili (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
  • 1 avocado, diced (optional)
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven (2-3 minutes): Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare Skillet (2 minutes): Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly in a large ovenproof skillet or a shallow baking dish.
  3. Layer Ingredients (5-7 minutes): Spoon half of the chili over the chips and sprinkle with half of both cheeses. Repeat layers with the remaining chips, chili, and cheese.
  4. Bake (10-12 minutes): Place the skillet in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 10-12 minutes.
  5. Add Toppings (3-5 minutes): Once out of the oven, sprinkle your desired toppings like jalapeños, tomatoes, black olives, red onion, and cilantro over the nachos.
  6. Serve (2 minutes): Dollop with sour cream and scatter the diced avocado over the top. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

These nachos are best enjoyed fresh from the oven while the cheese is still gooey. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, consider using spicy chili or adding extra jalapeños. Feel free to get creative with the toppings; the more the merrier! Pair the nachos with a refreshing beverage like iced tea or a cold beer for the perfect weekend treat.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 34g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Pair this with...

Guacamole

Start with ripe avocados - when you give them a gentle squeeze, they should have a little give, but not feel mushy. Halve and pit them, scooping out their green goodness into a bowl. Now, add the juice of a fresh lime. This brightens the flavor and helps keep that vibrant green color. Toss in a finely chopped small red onion, a minced clove of garlic, a small diced tomato, and maybe a deseeded and diced jalapeño if you're in the mood for some heat. A handful of chopped cilantro leaves adds that distinct freshness, but if you're not a fan, it's okay to skip it. Sprinkle in some salt, and then mash everything together. You can use a fork or a potato masher, depending on how chunky you like your guacamole. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve it up with tortilla chips or as a side to pretty much anything.

Homemade Salsa

To start, grab about 5 ripe tomatoes. You want them juicy but firm. Dice them up and toss them into a mixing bowl. Add a finely chopped red onion for some bite and crunch. Now, for that classic spicy kick, chop up a jalapeño (or two if you're brave). Remember, the seeds and white parts are the spiciest, so adjust to your liking. Squeeze the juice of a lime over your mixture for that zesty zing. Toss in a good handful of freshly chopped cilantro; it gives salsa its signature flavor. Sprinkle in some salt and give everything a good stir. If you've got a garlic clove lying around, mince it and mix it in for an extra layer of flavor. Let it sit for a bit to let the flavors meld together and enjoy!

Leafy Greens Side Salad

Kick things off with a bed of your favorite mixed greens—whether it's spinach, arugula, romaine, or a combination of all. Next, layer on thinly sliced red onion, adding a sharp and colorful zing. Slice a cucumber into neat rounds, offering cool and refreshing bites throughout the salad. Halve some juicy cherry tomatoes and scatter them in, lending their sweet-tart bursts. Finally, dot the salad with pitted green olives, introducing a briny depth. For dressing, a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper does wonders. Drizzle it over the salad, toss everything gently, and serve.

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!