Description
Loaded Shrimp and Beef Nachos with Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Nachos:
1 large bag tortilla chips
1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 lb ground beef
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup diced green onion
1/4 cup diced bell peppers
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Cheese Sauce:
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Ground Beef:
In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spatula.
Season with salt and pepper and set aside once cooked through.
Prepare the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, sauté the shrimp with a little olive oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually add milk, stirring constantly, and cook until the sauce thickens.
Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Nachos:
On a large plate or baking dish, layer tortilla chips.
Top with ground beef, shrimp, tomatoes, green onions, and bell peppers.
Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese.
Melt the Cheese:
Place the nachos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Top with Cheese Sauce:
Drizzle the prepared cheese sauce over the nachos and serve immediately.
Enjoy these flavorful and indulgent loaded nachos with shrimp, beef, fresh salsa, and gooey cheese sauce—a perfect treat for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for perfect nachos every time. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the beef in a skillet until fully browned, then transfer to a bowl. In the same skillet, cook the shrimp until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. For the cheese sauce, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour for one minute. Slowly add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in cheddar until smooth. On an oven-safe platter, create a single, even layer of chips. Distribute the beef and shrimp evenly, followed by the diced veggies. Sprinkle the shredded cheeses on top. Bake for 5-7 minutes until the shredded cheese melts. Drizzle the warm cheese sauce over the top just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These loaded nachos are a complete meal but can be elevated with simple sides. Serve immediately on a large platter for sharing. Accompany with bowls of sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and pickled jalapeños for customizing each bite. For a refreshing contrast, a simple side salad with lime-cilantro dressing works perfectly. They pair wonderfully with a light, crisp lager or a citrus-forward margarita.
How-to Summary
In short: Cook beef and shrimp separately. Make a cheese sauce from a butter-flour roux, milk, and cheddar. Layer chips, proteins, veggies, and shredded cheese on a baking dish. Bake at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to melt. Finish by drizzling with the homemade cheese sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? Yes. Cook the beef and shrimp, and dice the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. The cheese sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated with a splash of milk to restore consistency.
How do I prevent the nachos from getting soggy? The key is assembly and timing. Ensure your cooked proteins and veggies are not too wet (drain beef fat, pat shrimp dry). Add the final cheese sauce drizzle only after baking and just before serving.
What are good shrimp substitutes? For a different protein, try shredded chicken, chorizo, or black beans for a vegetarian option. The cooking method remains similar.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese for the sauce? It’s not recommended. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the smoothest sauce, shred a block of cheddar yourself.
How can I make this spicier? Add diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the veggie toppings. You can also season the beef and shrimp with chili powder, cumin, or a dash of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best results: 1) Overloading layers, which leads to unevenly cooked nachos and soggy chips underneath. 2) Using cold toppings, which lowers the oven temperature and prevents proper melting. 3) Baking for too long, which burns the chips. 4) Adding wet ingredients like fresh salsa before baking—always add these after. 5) Not seasoning each component (beef, shrimp, sauce) adequately as you cook.
Conclusion
These Loaded Shrimp and Beef Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining savory proteins, fresh vegetables, and a luxuriously smooth homemade cheese sauce. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common mistakes, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home. Perfect for game day, gatherings, or a special treat, this recipe is sure to impress with its layers of flavor and satisfying crunch. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!