Beef and Black Bean Nachos

A nachos platter makes great party food—or a causal dinner for a small gathering. This super-simple recipe comes together in about 20 minutes. And the highlight: a warm, creamy, cheesy sharp cheddar sauce to spoon over the chips and bring all the toppings together.

Don’t be intimidated by making your own fresh cheese sauce. It’s easy, and there’s a simple key: Add the ingredients a little at a time and your roux and finished sauce will be smooth and lump-free. Promise. Give it a shot—your guests will thank you.

Serves 5-6

Ingredients

• 2/3 lb ground sirloin
• 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 jalapeno chiles, very thinly sliced
• 1 cup cooked black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• sea salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1-1/2 cups 2% milk
• 6 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• large, white-corn tortilla chips to cover a large platter, slightly piled
• salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, for serving (optional)

Prepared Ingredients

Preparation

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground sirloin, onion, and jalapenos. Cook, breaking up the beef, until browned and just cooked, 5-6 minutes.
2. Add the black beans, chili powder, and cumin and season with salt. Cook until hot throughout and any liquid is absorbed, 3-4 minutes.

Beef Mixture 

Cooked Beef Mixture

1. Meanwhile, heat a saucepan over medium-low heat and melt the butter. When the butter begins to foam, whisk in the flour. Cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes.
2. Add 1/2 cup of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the first 1/2 cup is blended in, add another 1/2 cup. Once blended, add the final 1/2 cup. Season with salt.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook slowly until slightly thickened, stirring several times, 8 minutes.
4. Remove from the heat and stir in 1/3 of the cheese. Once the cheese is blended, stir in the remaining cheese, 1/3 at a time.

Butter Foaming 

Cooked Roux

Thickened Milk Mixture 

Cheese Sauce

To Assemble and Serve

Spread nacho chips on a large platter, piling slightly. Pour half the cheese sauce over the chips and spoon the ground beef mixture on top. Spoon the remaining cheese sauce around and over all. (Don’t smother the other toppings.)

Chip Layer 

1st Cheese Layer

Beef Layer

Dollop with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole, if desired. Serve right away.

Beef and Black Bean Nachos