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Pioneer Woman Beef Fajita Nachos

Pioneer Woman Beef Fajita Nachos - recipe card
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A hearty, crowd-pleasing sheet-pan nacho platter loaded with seasoned beef, charred peppers and onions, melted cheese, and fresh toppings. Crispy tortilla chips are layered with smoky, cumin-spiced beef and finished with bright pico de gallo and creamy lime crema.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced across the grain
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 8 oz tortilla chips (about 1 large bag)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup pico de gallo, homemade or store-bought
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
  • For the crema:
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil to catch any drips from the beef and cheese.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke. Add the sliced beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and let sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until browned on one side. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through—no need to overrender.
  4. Sprinkle the spice mix over the beef and toss to coat. Cook for 30 seconds more. Transfer the beef and any juices to a plate and set aside. Wipe the skillet clean.
  5. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced peppers and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the edges start to char and the onions are translucent. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat.
  6. Spread the tortilla chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. You may want to do two batches or use two sheets for smaller portion, but this recipe serves 4 generously.
  7. Scatter the sautéed peppers and onions over the chips, ensuring even coverage.
  8. Evenly distribute the cooked beef over the vegetables and chips.
  9. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the entire top.
  10. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling at the edges. Watch closely—do not let the edges of the chips burn. If you like a little char, switch to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching constantly.
  11. While nachos bake, make the crema: in a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp kosher salt until smooth. Set aside in the fridge.
  12. Remove the nachos from the oven. Immediately dollop with the crema, sprinkle with pico de gallo and chopped cilantro, and add jalapeño slices if using. Serve hot, straight from the pan.
  13. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly—this prevents everything from sliding off.
  14. Serve with additional lime wedges and a side of Mexican-style hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Storage: Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They will lose crispness. To reheat, spread on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until cheese is bubbly. Avoid microwave—it will make chips soggy. Freezing is not recommended as chips and cheese will become mushy. You can freeze the seasoned cooked beef alone in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in fridge before using.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef fajita nachos, sheet pan nachos, tex-mex nachos, flank steak nachos, easy nacho recipe, game day nachos, weeknight dinner, cheesy nachos

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-beef-fajita-nachos-recipe/