Applebee’s Nachos Recipe

Are you ready to bring a slice of Applebee’s to your kitchen with their Nachos Nuevos?

Home chefs love this recipe as it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful dish.

My favorite part is the layering of melted cheese and seasoned beef or chicken with fresh toppings.

The versatility of this dish is the main reason I enjoy it, as you can easily customize the toppings to suit your preferences.

How to Make Applebee’s Nachos

Ingredients

• 9 oz. Mexican-Spiced Ground Beef
• 6 oz. Tortilla Chips
• 1/4 cup Black Beans
• 6 oz. Queso Cheese Sauce
• 1/4 cup Pico de Gallo
• 1/4 cup Sour Cream
• 1/4 cup Guacamole
• 2 tbsp Jalapeños (sliced)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F to get it ready.

Lay a layer of tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.

Step 2:

Cook the ground beef with your favorite taco seasoning in a skillet over medium heat until browned.

Make sure to drain any excess grease for a cleaner finish.

Step 3:

Spoon the cooked beef evenly over the tortilla chips for maximum coverage.

Take care to distribute it so every chip gets some love.

Step 4:

Heat the queso cheese sauce until it’s nice and smooth.

Drizzle this creamy goodness over the beef and chips.

Step 5:

Add black beans on top of the cheese sauce.

Place the tray in the oven and bake for 10 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Step 6:

Once it’s out of the oven, top with pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and sliced jalapeños.

Serve immediately for the best taste experience.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients:

Using freshly made guacamole and pico de gallo adds an unmatched freshness to your nachos. Pre-packaged versions can sometimes lack the vibrant flavors that fresh ingredients can provide.

Cheese Sauce Tips:

If you want a spicier kick, heat the queso cheese sauce with a few slices of jalapeño in it. This will add a subtle spice throughout the dish.

Layering the Ingredients:

When layering your nachos, try to add ingredients in sections. This helps everyone get a taste of each delicious topping in every bite! Plus, it makes it easier to serve.

Play with Proteins:

Feel free to substitute beef with seasoned chicken for a different flavor. It can be just as tasty and adds a nice twist to the traditional recipe.

What to Serve with Applebee’s Nachos

Classic Guacamole

There’s something incredibly satisfying about pairing nachos with creamy guacamole.

You can take a few ripe avocados, mash them up, and mix them with diced tomatoes, onions, lime juice, and cilantro for a fresh side that complements the nachos perfectly.

I find that adding a bit of jalapeño gives it a nice kick!

Spicy Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joes might not be the first thing you think of, but trust me, it’s a winner.

The saucy, savory beef mixture, filled with onions and tomatoes, has a tangy sweetness that juxtaposes really well with crunchy nachos.

It’s like combining a classic sandwich with everyone’s favorite appetizer!

Jalapeño Cornbread

Cornbread is another unexpected but oh-so-welcome side dish.

Its sweet and savory profile pairs nicely with the savory nachos, especially when you add some diced jalapeños for extra spice.

I love making it with a touch of honey, creating a taste sensation that’s perfect alongside nachos.

Roasted Garlic Mushrooms

Mushrooms are versatile, and when roasted with a bit of garlic, they transform into a delicious treat.

They add a savory, earthy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with cheesy nachos.

You just toss them in olive oil and garlic, roast until golden, and watch how they disappear before your eyes!

Fresh Watermelon Salad

A watermelon salad might sound odd, but it’s a refreshing counterpoint to nachos.

Mix some watermelon cubes with feta cheese, mint leaves, and a dash of balsamic glaze.

The sweetness of the watermelon is a refreshing break from the spiciness and warmth of the nachos!

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Options

When making Applebee’s Nachos, you have plenty of choices for protein.

Instead of ground beef, try shredded chicken or pork to change things up a bit.

You could even go for tofu or black beans to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Cheese Variations

The type of cheese you use can completely transform the nachos!

While queso cheese sauce is a classic choice, you might enjoy Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Toppings Galore

Feel free to get creative with your toppings!

You can add sliced olives, diced bell peppers, or fresh cilantro to bring extra flavor and color.

Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole are always solid choices, offering creaminess and zest.

Spice Levels

Adjusting the spice level is easy and can suit everyone’s taste preferences.

Adding extra jalapeños or using spicier taco seasoning can heat things up significantly.

If you prefer milder flavors, opt for a dash of mild chili powder instead for a little warmth.

Tortilla Choices

You’re not limited to plain tortilla chips.

Try blue corn chips or even sweet potato chips for a unique twist.

Each variation brings a new flavor and texture that can enhance your nachos in surprising ways!

How to Store Leftover Applebee’s Nachos Recipe

Nachos can get a little soggy when stored improperly, but they aren’t hard to store well.

Use an airtight container and avoid stacking the nachos too high to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Separate any wet toppings or dips, such as salsa or sour cream, and store them in different containers.

This prevents the wet toppings from making the nachos wet.

In the Refrigerator

For short-term storage, you can keep your leftover nachos in the fridge.

Keep them fresh for up to 2-3 days, ensuring that they’re in an airtight container.

Avoid adding fresh toppings until you’re ready to enjoy them again.

In the Freezer

You might consider freezing your nachos by wrapping them individually and placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

While not ideal for texture, freezing is a good option if you want to keep them for a longer period.

When you’re ready to eat, let them thaw naturally in the fridge before reheating or enhancing with fresh toppings.

Keep the Twists Coming

Feel free to get creative and redefine your nachos with leftover toppings or add-ins.

Just make sure to wrap everything up properly if you’re expecting more delicious leftovers!

Embrace leftovers as an opportunity to experiment with new flavors!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Soggy Toppings

You know that feeling when your nachos just aren’t crispy?

Keeping liquid toppings separate until serving can really help.

If you do this, your nachos maintain their crunch!

Chip Choice

Using thin chips might seem tempting, but watch out!

They can easily break under all those delicious toppings.

You need a sturdy, restaurant-style chip for best results.

Layer Imbalance

I see many people forget to layer toppings evenly.

Avoid piling everything in the center and neglecting the edges.

Spread ingredients to ensure everyone gets the perfect bite!