Barbacoa Nachos Recipe Easy and Delicious for Any Occasion

Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, casual get-togethers, or a fun family dinner. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate your snack game with barbacoa nachos?

Combining tender, slow-cooked barbacoa beef with crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, these nachos pack a flavorful punch that’s both satisfying and addictive.

This recipe brings together the rich, smoky flavors of Mexican barbacoa with the comforting crunch of nachos. Whether you’re making these for a party or a cozy night in, they’re sure to impress.

Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can customize them with your favorite toppings or serve them with a side of guacamole or salsa for an extra burst of flavor. Ready to dive into this delicious barbacoa nachos recipe?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Barbacoa nachos are a perfect blend of bold, savory barbacoa beef and crispy, cheesy tortilla chips. This recipe is:

• Flavor-packed: The slow-cooked barbacoa is tender and infused with spices like chipotle, cumin, and garlic.
• Easy to customize: Add jalapeños, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to tailor it to your taste.
• Perfect for sharing: This dish is great for parties or casual gatherings where everyone can dig in.
• Quick to assemble: Use pre-made or leftover barbacoa to speed up the process without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef chuck roast (for homemade barbacoa) or 2 cups cooked shredded barbacoa
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large bag tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 avocado, diced for garnish
• Sour cream or Mexican crema, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving

Equipment

• Slow cooker or Instant Pot (for cooking barbacoa)
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Baking sheet or oven-safe dish for nachos
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Aluminum foil (optional, for easier clean-up)

Instructions

1. Prepare the barbacoa beef: If making from scratch, heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef chuck roast with salt and pepper, then brown on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer the roast to your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
2. Add barbacoa seasonings: In a blender or food processor, combine minced garlic, chipotle pepper, ground cumin, oregano, ground cloves, and beef broth. Blend until smooth. Pour this mixture over the beef in your slow cooker or Instant Pot.
3. Cook the barbacoa: For slow cooker, cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-5 hours until beef is tender and shreds easily. For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for about 60 minutes with natural pressure release. Once cooked, shred the beef with two forks and mix it into the cooking juices.
4. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the nachos.
5. Assemble the nachos: On a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish, spread a layer of tortilla chips. Evenly distribute shredded barbacoa over the chips, followed by black beans, diced red onion, and tomatoes.
6. Add cheese and jalapeños: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the top, and add sliced jalapeños if using.
7. Bake: Place the nachos in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and top with diced avocado, fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream or crema, and lime wedges for squeezing.
9. Enjoy immediately: Serve your barbacoa nachos hot for the best texture and taste.

Tips & Variations

For a quicker version, use pre-cooked barbacoa beef or shredded rotisserie chicken seasoned with barbacoa spices.

Try different cheeses: Pepper Jack or a smoky smoked cheddar pairs beautifully with the barbacoa’s rich flavor. Vegan cheese options work well too if you prefer a plant-based twist.

Add more toppings: Corn kernels, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo can amp up the flavor.

Make it vegetarian: Substitute barbacoa with seasoned jackfruit or mushrooms, then follow the same assembly process.

Double up the layers: For extra hearty nachos, add another layer of chips, beans, beef, and cheese before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your barbacoa nachos with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the top for a zesty finish. A side of guacamole or a fresh pico de gallo salsa complements the rich flavors beautifully.

For a refreshing balance, consider pairing these nachos with a light salad or some grilled corn on the cob. If you’re hosting a party, these nachos are perfect alongside a cold Mexican beer or a refreshing margarita.

For other delicious recipes to complement your meal, check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or try a comforting bowl of Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

If you love bold flavors, you might also enjoy the Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of nachos combined with the rich, succulent flavor of barbacoa beef. This recipe delivers just that and more, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

From the slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth barbacoa to the perfectly melted cheese and fresh toppings, every bite is a flavorful celebration.

Whether you’re making these for a casual family night or a party with friends, barbacoa nachos are sure to impress and satisfy. Plus, with tips for customization and variations, you can easily tailor this dish to your preferences.

So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious nacho recipes around!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Barbacoa Nachos”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful twist on classic nachos with tender, spicy barbacoa beef topped with melted cheese and fresh garnishes. Perfect for a game day snack or casual dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT2H”, “totalTime”: “PT2H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 lbs beef chuck roast”, “1 large onion, chopped”, “4 cloves garlic, minced”, “2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped”, “1/4 cup lime juice”, “1 tsp ground cumin”, “1 tsp dried oregano”, “1 tsp salt”, “1/2 tsp black pepper”, “1 bag tortilla chips (about 12 oz)”, “2 cups shredded cheddar cheese”, “1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese”, “1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro”, “1/2 cup diced tomatoes”, “1/4 cup sliced jalape\u00f1os”, “1/2 cup sour cream”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place beef chuck roast in slow cooker with onion, garlic, chipotle peppers, lime juice, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until beef is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shred beef with two forks and mix well with the cooking juices.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Spread tortilla chips on a large baking sheet.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top chips evenly with shredded barbacoa beef and both cheeses.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and garnish with cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalape\u00f1os, and sour cream.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “520”, “proteinContent”: “35g”, “fatContent”: “30g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35g”}}