The Complete Guide
to Eating Nachos
and Guacamole

Fact: You can’t make nachos without tortilla chips. Another fact: Guacamole is a tortilla chip’s best friend. Ultimate fact: You can’t make nachos without guacamole.

 

Today, we’re spreading the news that nachos aren’t complete without a side or topping of guacamole. We can confirm that once you put guac on your nachos, they’ll never be the same without it. Nachos with guacamole are a game-changer for tailgate appetizers, a showstopper on movie night, and the most scrumptious go-to grub for snack time, all the time.

 

Without further ado, here’s why nachos and guacamole go together so perfectly.

 

 

Why You Need Both Nachos And Guacamole

Let us paint you a picture: salty tortilla chips covered with gooey melted cheese, fresh pico de gallo, cilantro, and jalapeños. Maybe you enjoy them with seasoned beef or chicken. Perhaps you even drizzle them with your favorite hot sauce. If you think your tummy is grumbling now, just wait till we get to the next part.

 

Now imagine that, at the top of your sizzling nacho mountain, there’s a giant dollop of guacamole. Its creamy texture works naturally with tortilla chips. Its cooling flavor pairs perfectly with the spice. Its green color adds a bright contrast to the warm colors below. Ohhhh yeah.

 

A scoop of guac on your nachos is like the bow on a present or the candles on a birthday cake — sure, you don’t need them, but without them, you’re missing out on half the fun. And, unlike bows and candles, guacamole adds an irresistible flavor that will change the nacho game forever. (It’s undeniable! Truly hard-core avocado fans would love a scoop of guacamole on top of their birthday present.)

 

Top-Nacho Guacamole Recipe

Now that we have you convinced, it’s time to unveil the ultimate loaded nachos and guacamole recipe. Loaded with three cheeses, carne asada taco seasoning, and a fiesta medley of toppings, this giant serving is crowned with the guac of your choice. Grab plenty of napkins cause things are about to get pretty cheesy and pretty wild.

 

What’s Your Guac?

Before you start building your nachos, start with the cherry — er, the guac on top. Here are some tasty guac options that go well with our nacho recipe:

• For Classicists: Got a taste for the O.G. stack of nachos? You can’t go wrong with this authentic guacamole recipe. It’s simple to make, with a time-tested flavor that will elevate any plate of nachos to a creamier, greener level.
• For Hotheads: Spice daredevils will get a real kick out of adding this peppery guacamole to their nachos.
• For Partiers: If you’re having a tiki party, this jerk guacamole made with pineapple and spices will be a unique addition to the DIY nacho bar.

 

Nacho Ingredients:

• 1 lb. (1 bag) large tortilla chips*
• 1 c. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 c. shredded Oaxaca cheese
• 1 c. shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. raw ground beef
• 1/4 c. water
• 1 1/2 tbsp. taco seasoning**
• 1 can (15 oz.) refried beans
• 1/2 large white onion, diced
• 2 jalapeños, diced
• 1/2 c. cilantro, roughly chopped
• 2 c. guacamole (see above for suggestions)

 

*Feelin’ crafty and crispy? Make your own delicious tortilla chips by following our easy how-to guide.

**Not to brag, but we have a great guide to the perfect taco seasoning recipe — plus six other spice mixes if you’re feeling avant-garde.

 

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with foil, then evenly distribute half the tortilla chips around the pan. Sprinkle a 1/2 cup of each cheese over the tortilla chips.

 

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Add 1/4 cup water and the taco seasoning and stir well until the water has reduced. Add the refried beans to the mixture, stirring until well-combined and beans are warm.

 

Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortilla chips and cheese. Sprinkle with half of the diced onion and jalapeños. Create a second layer on top with the rest of the tortilla chips, cheese, beef, beans, onion, and jalapeño.

 

Bake at 400°F for 10-15 minutes or until the cheese melts. Let cool and garnish with cilantro, then scoop the guacamole on top like it’s a creamy green crown on your nacho masterpiece. Serve to a room resounding with “ooh,” and “ahh,” and “me first.”

 

Bonus Nacho and Guacamole Recipes

Because who ever says no to extra guac?

• Nacho Average Guac: Queso fresco-infused guacamole served up on a bed of crispy tortilla chips? Sign us up.
• Chicken Nacho Guac Recipe: No time to let the oven preheat? No problem. These microwave nachos are topped with chicken guacamole and are ready lickety-split.

 

To browse even more inspiration for pairing nachos and guacamole, check out our guacamole recipes page.