SimplyProtein Mega Protein Nachos

Who says you can’t eat nachos for dinner? Turn this fan-favorite snack into a protein-packed meal. A base of our SimplyProtein Hint of Habanero Tortilla Chips adds a healthy dose of protein before you even touch the toppings, but once you add lean ground beef and black beans to this epic platter, you’ll have all the protein you need.

SimplyProtein Mega Protein Nachos
Makes 4 servings

1 1/2 bags of SimplyProtein Hint of Habanero tortilla chips

Beef and Bean mixture
1 lb  (454 g) lean ground beef
1 small onion (approx 1 cup/250 mL), finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced or garlic pressed
1 tbsp (30 mL) dried oregano
1 tsp (5 mL) cayenne
2 tsp (10 mL) garlic powder
1 tbsp (15 mL) chili powder
2 tsp (10 mL) smoked hot paprika
2 tsp (10 mL) ground cumin
1 1/2 (7 mL) tsp sea salt
1 can (398 ml) can of refried beans
1 can (398 ml) can of black beans
1/4 cup (60 mL) tomato paste
1 1/2 (375 mL) cup water

Queso dip
1 1/2 cup (375 mL) 2% cottage cheese
1 1/2 cup (375 mL) grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 tsp (5 mL) hot smoked paprika
1/3 cup (80 mL) fresh salsa
1/2 cup (125 mL) 2% milk
2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped pickled jalapeños, divided (optional)
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt

Nacho ingredients
2 cups (500 mL) grated Monterey Jack cheese, divided
1 cup (250 mL) halved cherry tomatoes

Optional Toppings and dips
sour cream
guacamole
cilantro
lime wedges
pickled jalapeños, to desired taste (optional)

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces.

2. Add the onion and cook for 5 minutes before adding the fresh garlic and spices. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until beef is cooked.

3. Add the tomato paste and cook for 2 to 3 minutes before adding the cans of refried beans and black beans. Mix together well and stir in 1/2 cup of water. Stir and mix, slowly adding the remaining water. 

4. Cover and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes or until it has thickened slightly. Take off the heat and set aside.

5. In a food processor or high-speed blender, add the cottage cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, paprika, salsa, salt and 1 tbsp of the jalapeños.

6. Blend until very smooth. Remove from the food processor and transfer to a small pot. Heat the dip on low heat until warmed and the cheeses have melted. Stir in the remaining jalapeños. Set aside and keep warm.

7. Preheat oven to 350°F

8. Line a 9” x 12” baking sheet with parchment paper and top with 1 bag of the SimplyProtein Hint of Habanero tortilla chips. Sprinkle half the Monterey Jack cheese over top and bake for 5 min.

9. Remove from the oven and top with pickled jalapeños (if using). Drizzle 1/2 (125 mL) to 3/4 cup (185 mL)of queso dip. Distribute about half of the Beef and Bean mixture over top.

10. Arrange another layer with the remaining chips, drizzle more dip and top with more beef and bean mixture. Serve any extra beef, bean and queso dip on the side. 

11.  Sprinkle the last of the grated cheese and bake again for 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.

12. Top with cherry tomatoes, cilantro, green onions, sour cream, guacamole and lime wedges.