Spicy Black Bean Nachos

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack, Spicy Black Bean Nachos are about to become your new favorite dish. This delightful recipe combines crunchy tortilla chips, rich black beans, and gooey melted cheese to create an enticing dish that’s perfect for game day, movie night, or any casual gathering.

Why Make This Recipe

Creating Spicy Black Bean Nachos at home not only allows you to control the ingredients and spice level, but it also offers a fun and interactive dining experience. Everyone loves to dig in and customize their nachos with fresh toppings. Plus, this recipe is packed with protein and fiber from the black beans, making it a satisfying option that can cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians alike. With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can whip up a delicious dish that will impress your family and friends.

How to Make Spicy Black Bean Nachos

Let’s jump into crafting these flavorful nachos that are sure to make your taste buds dance.

Ingredients:

1 can black beans
½ onion
2 garlic cloves
2 chipotles in adobo
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
½ cup water (or stock)
1 bag tortilla chips
4-5 cups shredded cheese
Jalapeño slices (optional)
Chopped cilantro (optional)
Pico de gallo (optional)
4 tomatillos
½ onion (for salsa)
1 garlic clove (for salsa)
½ jalapeño (for salsa)
10-12 sprigs cilantro (for salsa)
1 avocado (for salsa)

Directions:

Start by roughly chopping ½ an onion and peeling 2 garlic cloves. In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in a dollop of oil over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
While the onions and garlic are cooking, drain and rinse the can of black beans. Once the onions and garlic are ready, add the black beans to the skillet, followed by 2 chipotles in adobo, 1 tablespoon of adobo sauce, ½ teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, freshly ground pepper, and ½ cup of water or stock.
Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Once it’s hot, transfer this mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, or leave it slightly chunky for added texture—whichever you prefer! Taste it and adjust the salt as needed.
While blending, shred 4-5 cups of Monterey Jack cheese (or your preferred cheese).
To assemble your nachos, spread a dense, single layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Drizzle some of the black bean mixture over the chips, followed by a generous layer of cheese on top.
Bake your nachos in an oven preheated to 400°F for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly.
While the nachos are baking, let’s whip up some fresh Avocado Salsa Verde. Rinse the 4 tomatillos and roast them in the oven at 400°F until they’re cooked through and slightly charred.
Add the roasted tomatillos to a blender along with ½ onion, 1 garlic clove, 10-12 sprigs of cilantro, and half of a jalapeño. Pulse blend and taste to determine your desired heat level, adding the remaining jalapeño if desired.
Finally, add the avocado to the blender, combine well, and salt to taste.
Once the nachos are out of the oven, top them with your favorite fixings like jalapeño slices, chopped cilantro, or pico de gallo. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious goodness!

Pro Tips for Success Spicy Black Bean Nachos

Layer Wisely: To avoid soggy nachos, ensure there’s a balance of beans and cheese across each chip. Use a large baking sheet to spread out the chips and toppings for optimal coverage.
Mix It Up: Consider varying the type of cheese for different flavors. Cheddar or Pepper Jack can add a tasty twist, especially if you’re looking for more spice.
Preheat Correctly: Always make sure your oven is fully preheated to achieve that perfect melty cheese texture.
Customize Toppings: Personalize your nachos by adding different toppings such as diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, or even chili!
Serve Fresh: Nachos are best eaten fresh out of the oven to maintain the crispness of the chips. If your nachos sit too long, they can become soggy.
Get Creative: Feel free to throw in some proteins like shredded chicken or ground beef for a heartier option.

Flavor Variations Spicy Black Bean Nachos

Vegetarian Deluxe: Add a layer of grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
Meat Lover’s Nachos: Mix in some cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken with your black bean layer for an extra protein kick.
Cheesy Spinach: Incorporate a layer of sautéed spinach, which adds both color and nutrition. It pairs nicely with the cheese.
BBQ Twist: Drizzle some BBQ sauce over the finished nachos for a smoky, tangy flavor profile that brings something unique.
Seafood Style: Top with shrimp sautéed in garlic and lime for a coastal, fresh twist on a classic.

Serving Suggestions Spicy Black Bean Nachos

Spicy Black Bean Nachos can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Game Day Spread: Serve them alongside other finger foods like wings, sliders, and dips for an ultimate game day celebration.
Movie Night Treat: Pair your nachos with a fun movie and a DIY popcorn bar for a cozy at-home cinema night.
Casual Gathering: Lay out a few platters of nachos with different toppings for guests to customize their own.
Appetizers at Parties: Enhance your party lineup with these nachos as a standout appetizer that everyone will love.

Storage and Freezing Instructions Spicy Black Bean Nachos

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store your nachos in the refrigerator. Place them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The chips may soften slightly, but the flavors will still be there.

Reheating is simple—just pop them back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick fix.

However, we recommend avoiding freezing the nachos altogether. The texture of the chips won’t hold up after thawing, and the overall quality will diminish.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 470
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 40g
Fat: 24g
Fiber: 10g
Sodium: 680mg

FAQ About Spicy Black Bean Nachos

Can I make nachos gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure to choose gluten-free tortilla chips. Most store-bought chips are gluten-free, but always check the label to be sure.

Can I use canned ingredients?

Yes, using canned black beans, roasted tomatillos, or even store-bought pico de gallo can save time and still yield delicious nachos. Just make sure to rinse and drain as necessary for the best flavor.

How can I make my nachos spicier?

To amp up the heat, add more chipotles in adobo to the bean mixture, or use a spicy cheese. You can also top with fresh jalapeños, or serve with a side of spicy salsa.

What are good alternatives to black beans?

If you want to switch it up, try using pinto beans, refried beans, or even lentils for a different taste and texture.

Are there vegetarian or vegan alternatives?

Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute dairy cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.

What’s the best cheese for nachos?

Monterey Jack cheese is a classic choice due to its excellent melting properties. Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or a blend of several cheeses can also work beautifully for added flavor.

H2: Final Thoughts

Spicy Black Bean Nachos are an easy and delicious way to bring people together over great food. Whether you’re enjoying them at home or serving them at a gathering, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. With plenty of options for customization, you can make them fit your taste and dietary preferences. So grab your chips, layer on the toppings, and indulge in this amazing dish that’s bursting with flavor and fun!

Spicy Black Bean Nachos

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Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A crowd-pleasing appetizer made with crunchy tortilla chips, rich black beans, and gooey melted cheese, perfect for gatherings.

Ingredients

1 can black beans
½ onion
2 garlic cloves
2 chipotles in adobo
1 tablespoon adobo sauce
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
½ cup water (or stock)
1 bag tortilla chips
4-5 cups shredded cheese
Jalapeño slices (optional)
Chopped cilantro (optional)
Pico de gallo (optional)
4 tomatillos
½ onion (for salsa)
1 garlic clove (for salsa)
½ jalapeño (for salsa)
10-12 sprigs cilantro (for salsa)
1 avocado (for salsa)

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Instructions

Chop ½ an onion and peel 2 garlic cloves. Sauté in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until softened.
Drain and rinse the black beans. Add to the skillet along with chipotles, adobo sauce, cumin, salt, pepper, and water. Simmer until heated through.
Blend the bean mixture until smooth or chunky, adjust salt to taste.
Shred 4-5 cups of cheese.
Spread a single layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Drizzle with black bean mixture and top with cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted.
For the avocado salsa verde, roast tomatillos at 400°F until charred. Blend with onion, garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño. Add avocado and salt to taste.
Top nachos with desired toppings and serve immediately.

Notes

Customize your nachos with various toppings and cheeses to fit your preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican