Mexican Nachos Baskets are a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your table. Perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or when you’re simply craving a satisfying snack, these nacho baskets combine crispy corn tortillas with mouthwatering fillings for a treat that’s hard to resist.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Mexican Nachos Baskets at home allows you to customize them to your taste and dietary preferences. Rather than just piling ingredients on a plate, these baskets add a fun and engaging presentation. They’re also quite simple to prepare: the combination of seasoned beef, beans, creamy avocado, and fresh toppings makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s an opportunity to explore the vibrant and lively flavors of Mexican cuisine without leaving your kitchen.
How to Make Mexican Nachos Baskets
Now, let’s dive into how to prepare these delightful Mexican Nachos Baskets. With a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you’ll have a delicious appetizer or meal ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- 420 grams can of Mexican chili beans
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 lime, juiced
- 250 grams premium beef mince
- 250 grams taco sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 200 grams tub guacamole to serve
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Heat the corn tortillas in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or until soft and pliable.
- Gently mold the tortillas into Texas muffin pans and bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes or until crisp.
- In a frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chopped onion and beef mince until browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add the Mexican chili beans and taco sauce to the pan. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- While the mixture simmers, roughly mash the avocado in a bowl and mix in the lime juice to add flavor and prevent browning.
- Once the tortilla baskets are crispy, remove them from the oven. Spoon the beef and bean mixture into each basket.
- Top with guacamole and a dollop of sour cream.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success Mexican Nachos Baskets
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Choose Fresh Tortillas: For the best texture, opt for fresh corn tortillas instead of pre-packaged ones. They’ll mold better and taste authentic.
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Custom Fillings: Feel free to substitute the meat with shredded chicken, turkey, or even sautéed vegetables to suit any dietary preference.
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Layering Flavors: Make sure to layer your ingredients wisely; starting with a layer of beans at the bottom can help prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
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Crispy Finish: If you want extra crispiness, give the assembled baskets a quick broil in the oven for 1-2 minutes before adding toppings.
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Make It Ahead: You can prepare the beef and bean mixture ahead of time; just warm it on the stove when you’re ready to serve.
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Fresh Toppings: Don’t skimp on garnishes! Fresh herbs like cilantro and toppings such as jalapeños can elevate your nachos.
Flavor Variations Mexican Nachos Baskets
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicy twist.
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Veggie Delight: Incorporate black beans and corn for a vegetarian take, losing the beef and adding more veggies instead.
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Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the beef filling before adding your toppings for added flavor.
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Salsa Surprise: Include a layer of fresh salsa before the guacamole for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions Mexican Nachos Baskets
Mexican Nachos Baskets shine as a standalone dish. However, they pair wonderfully with a side of fresh salsa, a simple green salad, or even a refreshing corn salad. For drinks, consider serving them alongside a classic margarita or an iced Mexican cola to round out the experience. These baskets are perfect for sharing, so place them in the middle of the table for everyone to dig in!
Storage and Freezing Instructions Mexican Nachos Baskets
If you have leftover ingredients, consider storing them separately. The tortilla baskets are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for a day. If you’ve made the beef mixture, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat when you’re ready to use it.
Freezing is also an option! You can freeze the beef and bean mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. However, we recommend making the tortilla baskets fresh, as they don’t freeze and reheat as well.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ About Mexican Nachos Baskets
Can I use different proteins in Mexican Nachos Baskets?
Absolutely! While this recipe features beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based proteins like lentils or tofu. Adjust the seasoning accordingly to ensure that your chosen protein complements the flavors in the dish.
Are Mexican Nachos Baskets suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas that are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these baskets without any gluten concerns. Make sure to double-check all other ingredients, particularly sauces, to ensure they are also gluten-free.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the beef and bean mixture, guacamole, and even the tortilla baskets a few hours ahead of time. Just keep the components separate in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve.
How do I make the tortilla baskets crispy?
To ensure your tortilla baskets turn out crispy, be sure to bake them until they are light golden brown. Also, preheating your oven correctly before placing the baskets inside ensures they cook evenly for that perfect crispness.
What if I don’t have a Texas muffin pan?
If you don’t have a Texas muffin pan, you can mold the tortillas into a regular cupcake or muffin pan. Alternatively, use an oven-safe bowl or just bake them flat and layer the fillings on top. They may not hold their shape as well but will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
Mexican Nachos Baskets are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a beloved dish. With their crunchy tortillas, savory fillings, and fresh toppings, they are perfect for any occasion, from movie nights to neighborhood gatherings. Preparing this dish can be a great way to bond with family and friends in the kitchen. So why not gather your loved ones, whip up some delicious nacho baskets, and create delightful memories together? Enjoy your meal!
Print
Mexican Nachos Baskets
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Delightful Mexican Nachos Baskets combining crispy corn tortillas with seasoned beef, beans, and fresh toppings, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 420 grams can of Mexican chili beans
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 tablespoon coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 lime, juiced
- 250 grams premium beef mince
- 250 grams taco sauce
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 200 grams tub guacamole to serve
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
- Heat the corn tortillas in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or until soft and pliable.
- Gently mold the tortillas into Texas muffin pans and bake in the preheated oven for 6 minutes or until crisp.
- In a frying pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook the chopped onion and beef mince until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Mexican chili beans and taco sauce to the pan and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
- While the mixture simmers, mash the avocado and mix in lime juice.
- Once the tortilla baskets are crispy, spoon the beef and bean mixture into each basket.
- Top with guacamole and a dollop of sour cream.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves, if desired.
Notes
Customize the fillings to suit any dietary preference and ensure crispiness by broiling for an additional 1-2 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican