Nachos with Refried Beans Recipe

Tortilla chips: Crunchy and salty, these form the base of the nachos and add great texture.

Refried beans: Creamy and flavorful, they add protein and make the nachos more filling.

Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the chips and beans, giving a rich, cheesy taste.

Sliced jalapenos: Adds a spicy kick that balances the creaminess of the beans and cheese.

Chopped tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they bring a nice brightness to the dish.

Chopped onions: Adds a bit of crunch and sharpness to contrast the other flavors.

Chopped cilantro: A fresh herb that gives a burst of color and a hint of citrusy flavor.

When you’re chopping onions for your nachos, getting them into small, even pieces makes a big difference. Here’s a simple way to do it without tears or uneven chunks:

1. Cut the onion in half from top to bottom, then peel off the skin.
2. Place one half flat side down on your cutting board.
3. Make several vertical cuts from the root end almost to the tip, but don’t cut all the way through.
4. Next, make horizontal cuts across the onion, again stopping before you reach the root.
5. Finally, slice down across those cuts to create small, even pieces.

Doing it this way helps the onion stay together while you chop, so you don’t end up with a mess. Plus, even pieces cook more evenly and look nicer on your nachos.

When I first tried chopping onions like this, I was worried I’d cut my fingers or make a huge mess. But once I got the hang of it, it was way faster and less frustrating. Also, if your eyes start to sting, try chilling the onion in the fridge for a bit before chopping—that really helps calm the sharp smell.

Chopping your onions evenly means every bite of your nachos has just the right amount of crunch and flavor. It’s a small step that makes your whole dish taste better and look more inviting. Give it a try next time you’re making this Nachos with Refried Beans recipe!

• tortilla chips - Substitute with pita chips: Pita chips provide a similar crunch and can hold up well under toppings.

• refried beans - Substitute with black beans: Black beans offer a similar texture and are a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine.

• shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with Monterey Jack cheese: Monterey Jack melts well and has a mild flavor that complements nachos.

• sliced jalapenos - Substitute with banana peppers: Banana peppers provide a milder heat and a tangy flavor.

• chopped tomatoes - Substitute with diced red bell peppers: Red bell peppers add a sweet crunch and vibrant color.

• chopped onions - Substitute with green onions: Green onions offer a milder onion flavor and a fresh, crisp texture.

• chopped cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and a similar appearance.

• Allow the nachos to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tortilla chips soggy.
• Transfer the nachos to an airtight container. If you have multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to keep them from sticking together.
• Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, consume within this timeframe to maintain the flavor and texture.
• For freezing, place the nachos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This prevents them from clumping together.
• Once frozen, transfer the nachos to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the nachos on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy.
• Avoid microwaving as it can make the tortilla chips rubbery and less enjoyable.
• If you prefer, you can reheat individual portions in a toaster oven for a quicker option.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Spread the leftover nachos evenly on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the nachos with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
  4. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the refried beans are heated through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the tortilla chips.

• Microwave Method:

  1. Place the leftover nachos on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to keep the nachos from becoming too soggy.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
  4. If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue microwaving in 30-second intervals.

• Skillet Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the leftover nachos to the skillet, spreading them out evenly.
  3. Cover the skillet with a lid to help melt the cheese and heat the refried beans.
  4. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the tortilla chips are crispy.

• Air Fryer Method:

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover nachos in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Air fry for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the tortilla chips don't burn.
  4. Remove once the cheese is melted and the refried beans are heated through.

• Oven: Used to bake the nachos at a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to spread the tortilla chips evenly for baking.

• Spoon: Helps in evenly distributing the refried beans over the tortilla chips.

• Cheese grater: Used to shred the cheddar cheese if it is not pre-shredded.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurement of refried beans, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.

• Oven mitts: Protects your hands when removing the hot baking sheet from the oven.

Preheat while prepping: Start preheating your oven as you gather and prepare your ingredients to save time.

Use pre-chopped veggies: Buy pre-chopped onions, tomatoes, and cilantro to cut down on prep time.

Microwave refried beans: Warm the refried beans in the microwave for a minute to make them easier to spread.

Layer efficiently: Arrange your tortilla chips in a single layer to ensure even distribution of toppings and quicker baking.

Shred cheese in advance: Shred your cheddar cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for quick use.