Have you ever tried eating nachos outside in the crisp autumn air, where the flavors seem to dance a little more vividly? These Ultimate Foil Pack Baked Nachos bring that experience right to your fingertips—cheesy, spicy, and utterly satisfying. (And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good nacho night?)
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350?F. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and water, then continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Tear off four 16-inch sheets of aluminum foil, making sure the non-stick side is facing up. Place a handful of tortilla chips in the center of each foil sheet.
- Top the chips with 1/4 cup of Mexican cheese, then add 1/4 of the cooked beef mixture. Sprinkle another 1/4 cup of cheese on top.
- Fold the long edges of the foil over the nachos, double-folding them to leave room for air. Do the same with the short edges to seal the foil packets.
- Arrange the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for 10 minutes. While they bake, prepare your chosen toppings.
- Once baked, carefully open the foil packets, being mindful of steam. Add your preferred toppings and serve the nachos immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (preferably 90/10)
- 4 tablespoons taco seasoning (or one packet)
- 1/2 cup water
- 4 sheets of aluminum foil (each 16 inches long)
- 8 oz Mexican blend cheese, divided
- Tortilla chips (enough for four servings)
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onion or chives, chopped
- 4 tablespoons sour cream, or to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1888 kcal | Carbs: 32 g | Protein: 156 g | Fat: 128 g | Saturated Fat: 60 g | Cholesterol: 520 mg | Sodium: 2752 mg | Potassium: 3020 mg | Fiber: 16 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 4060 IU | Vitamin C: 40 mg | Calcium: 1632 mg | Iron: 16 mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare these nachos using different types of meat?
- Absolutely! While this recipe calls for lean ground beef, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey or chicken. The preparation method remains the same: cook the meat until it’s no longer pink, then add taco seasoning and water, and continue cooking for a few more minutes.
- How do I ensure the nachos don’t stick to the foil?
- Using heavy-duty non-stick foil is highly recommended as it prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Ensure the dull, non-stick side of the foil is facing up and in contact with the food.
- Can these nachos be made on the grill?
- Yes, you can make foil pack nachos on the grill. Place the packets on a preheated grill set to medium heat and cook until the cheese melts. This method is perfect for tailgating or backyard barbecues.
- What toppings work best with foil pack nachos?
- You can set up a nacho bar so everyone can customize their packets. Popular toppings include diced avocado or guacamole, pico de gallo, diced tomatoes, green onions or chives, cilantro, jalapenos, black olives, black beans, and sour cream.
- How do I properly seal the foil packs to ensure even cooking?
- Place your ingredients in the center of the foil, then bring up and double-fold the long sides, leaving space for air to circulate. Next, bring up and double-fold the short ends to close the packet securely.
Tips
- Use Heavy-Duty Foil: Opt for heavy-duty aluminum foil to ensure durability and prevent tearing when assembling and cooking your nacho foil packs. This type of foil also helps in retaining moisture and flavor.
- Choose the Right Meat: For a healthier option, use lean ground beef such as 90/10. However, you can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a different flavor profile. Whichever meat you choose, be sure to cook it thoroughly and season well.
- Organize a Topping Bar: Set up a toppings bar so guests can personalize their nachos. Include a variety of options like diced avocado, Pico De Gallo, sour cream, and jalapenos to cater to different tastes.
- Ensure Proper Foil Folding: When folding your foil packs, double-fold the long ends first, leaving some space for air circulation, then fold the short ends to secure. This technique helps in even cooking and keeps the contents from spilling out.
Equipment
- Pack Baked Nachos, here is a list of main equipment you might need to buy from Amazon, which people might not normally have at home:
- Heavy-Duty Aluminum Foil (Non-stick preferred)
- Large Skillet (if you don’t already have one at home)
