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    Home » Recipes » Beef » Carne Asada Nachos

    Carne Asada Nachos

    Last Updated May 16, 2023. Originally Posted April 1, 2019 By Maggie Unzueta

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Carne Asada Nachos is a tasty, delicious, and indulgent appetizer loved by foodies everywhere. Try this easy sheet pan recipe for game day or your next party.
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Carne Asada Nachos is a tasty, delicious, and indulgent appetizer loved by foodies everywhere. Try this easy sheet pan recipe for game day or your next party. By Mama Maggie's Kitchen
    Hand holding a tortilla chip with pickled jalapenos, carne asada, and melted cheese over the rest of the carne asada nachos.
    Carne asada nachos on a sheet pan next to a serving fork and cilantro.

    Carne asada nachos on a sheet pan next to a serving fork and cilantro.

    Carne asada nachos are a mouthwatering creation that combines the bold flavors of Mexican food with the irresistible indulgence of loaded nachos. 

    Along with Carne Asada Fries, I first learned of these tasty grilled treats when I moved to San Diego where this culinary fusion was created. 

    This delicious dish features crispy tortilla chips, generously topped with tender slices of juicy carne asada, melted cheese, and all the your favorite toppings. 

    A culinary masterpiece that will leave you craving for more! 

    Type of Beef

    Outside Skirt Steak on a blue plate and still in the package.

    Carne Asada is traditionally made with skirt steak or flank steak. For a leaner cut, use top round or sirloin. 

    “Asada” means “grilled.” I have seen people incorrectly use the term “carne asada” for slow cooker, instant pot, as well as stewed meats where there is no grilling involved.

    Got leftovers? What about a California Burrito (also called carne asada burrito). 

    Rumba Meats beef marinating in a plastic sealed bag and in a metal bowl.

    • Remove the meat from the package. 
    • Rinse and pat dry. 
    • Place it in a plastic bag with all of the marinade ingredients.

    Marinade the meat in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours. Overnight is best. Any less, the meat will not fully absorb the flavors.

    Remove the meat from the bag and then toss the plastic bag in the trash. Easy cleanup for the win!

    Or, cover the meat with plastic bag. Whatever you have on hand is fine.

    Beef grilling on a black cast iron grill skillet.

    How to Cook the Beef

    On the Grill

    • Heat the grill to 400 degrees F.
    • Cook for 8-12 minutes on each side, until you get to desired doneness. 

    Cast Iron Skillet

    • Oil the cast iron skillet with olive oil. Heat up on medium-high heat.
    • Once hot, cook for 8-12 minutes on each side, until you get desired doneness. 

    Cooked Beef Temperatures:

    • Rare: 125 degrees F
    • Medium-rare: 135 degrees F
    • Medium: 145 degrees F
    • Medium-well: 150 degrees F

    Pro Tip: 

    Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing, or all the juices will run out, and you’ll be left with a dry cut of meat. 

    Tortillas chips laid out on a sheet pan.

    • Add a single layer of tortilla chips to baking sheet.

    If you do not have a sheet pan, you can use a large skillet (cast iron) or anything that can go under the broiler.

    For easier clean up, line the sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. After you serve, simply toss the foil paper away. 

    A layer of carne asada nachos minus the cheese on a wooden surface.

    Before adding the cheese, add the chopped steak pieces. 

    Then, add several of your favorite toppings. Mix and match any of these topping suggestions.

    Optional Toppings

    • Frozen corn
    • Pinto beans (or black beans or refried beans)
    • Tomatoes
    • Salsa verde
    • Green peas
    • Green beans
    • Bacon
    • red onion
    • sour cream
    • guacamole

    That’s the beauty of nachos. You can pretty much add anything, and it will still taste good. You can even add tons of vegetables. 

    ​On that note, you might also like this healthy mexican street corn dip. 

    Carne asada nachos ready to go into the oven.

    • Lastly, add plenty of cheese in an even layer.
    • Top with pickled jalapeño slices.

    Type of Cheese:

    Use any cheese that melts well like Monterey Jack cheese, mozzarella, yellow cheddar cheese, oaxaca cheese, or colby jack.

    Make it easier on you and buy pre-shredded cheese. 

    History of Nachos:

    Nachos is not a traditional Mexican dish. Nachos were born in Texas by Ignacio Anaya who invented this yummy dish. If you’ve ever met someone named Ignacio, chances are he is nicknamed “Nacho.” That’s where the name “nachos” came from.

    Hand holding a tortilla chip with pickled jalapenos, carne asada, and melted cheese over the rest of the carne asada nachos.

    • Place the sheet pan under the broiler on high until the cheese melts (about 4-5 minutes). 

    This Carne Asada Nachos recipe delivers an explosion of flavor and textures. Serve this mouthwatering appetizer with hot sauce, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, and plenty of salsa.  

    HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

    Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter for my latest recipes and videos.

     

    Carne asada nachos on a sheet pan next to a serving fork and cilantro.

    Carne Asada Nachos

    Carne Asada Nachos is a tasty, delicious, and indulgent appetizer loved by foodies everywhere. Try this easy sheet pan recipe for game day or your next party.
    5 from 44 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Beef
    Cuisine: Mexican American
    Servings: 4 -6
    Calories: 523kcal
    Author: Maggie Unzueta

    Ingredients

    • For the Marinade:
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
    • ½ tablespoon dried oregano
    • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
    • Juice of 4 limes or 6 key limes
    • ½ cup oil
    • 1 Outside Skirt Steak
    • For the Nachos:
    • 1/2 package tortilla chips
    • 1/2 cup Refried Beans
    • 1 to mato diced
    • ½ cup salsa
    • 1/4 cup frozen corn
    • 1 cup shredded cheese
    • Pickled jalapeños
    • Chopped cilantro
    • Optional: Guacamole sour cream, and avocado

    Instructions

    • In a sealable plastic bag, add all the ingredients for the marinade and the skirt steak.
    • Seal the plastic bag.
    • Mix well to coat the meat.
    • Marinate for a minimum of 4 hours.
    • Overnight is best.
    • Grill meat to desired doneness.
    • 6-8 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
    • Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
    • Slice the meat as thinly as possible and into bite-sized pieces.
    • On a sheet pan, add a layer of tortilla chips.
    • Then add the beans, tomatoes, salsa, corn, and grilled meat.
    • Add a layer of cheese over the grilled meat and other toppings.
    • Add as many jalapeños as you desire.
    • Place under the broiler for 4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

    Notes

    Serve immediately or the tortilla chips will get soggy.
    Marinade the meat in the fridge for a minimum of 4 hours. Any less, the meat will not fully absorb the flavors.
    Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing, or all the juices will run out, and you’ll be left with a dry cut of meat.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 523kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 41g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 932mg | Potassium: 532mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1507IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 200mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @MamaMaggiesKitchen or tag #MamaMaggiesKitchen!

    Filed Under: Appetizers, Beef, Grilling, Mexican, Recipes, Summer

    About Maggie Unzueta

    Maggie Unzueta is the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer, videographer, and creator of In Mama Maggie's Kitchen. She has been developing easy and authentic Mexican food, Mexican-inspired recipes, and traveling tips since 2010. From family recipes to her extensive travels throughout Mexico, she brings traditional Mexican flavors from South of the Border and into your kitchen. Maggie has been featured in notable culinary websites and other media outlets. For more details, check out her About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Baguio Restaurants by Mae

      April 2, 2019 at 1:00 am

      The photos looks delicious and colorful. Will try this once my friends set a date for our sleep over. Gonna try putting tons of bacon and of course cheese!!!!!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe.

      Reply
    2. Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen

      June 25, 2019 at 2:23 pm

      Yummy! These look so delicious! That steak looks amazing! Bookmarking to make soon!

      Reply
    3. Regina Davis

      June 25, 2019 at 4:26 pm

      Yessss! Definitely trying these! I just made nachos for dinner last night (bbq chicken style). I love nachos because they are a quick and easy dinner, but soooo delish! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4. Natalie

      June 26, 2019 at 7:46 am

      Omg this looks AMAZING! ? so perfect for entertaining a large crowd, too. The steak looks fantastic.

      Reply
    5. Autumn (Biscotti and a Ph.D.)

      June 26, 2019 at 8:17 am

      This looks incredible! I feel like I can smell the deliciousness just from your pictures! And I had no idea you could order meat from Amazon…

      Reply
    6. Nene

      June 26, 2019 at 8:57 am

      This looks so delicious!! I love nachos and been craving it for awhile now so thanks for sharing it

      Reply
    7. Lauren

      June 26, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      I love sheet pan nachos but I’ve only made them with chicken and ground beef. I’m always looking for new ways to switch up Taco Tuesday and this might be something new to try!

      Reply
    8. Luci

      June 27, 2019 at 7:36 am

      These nachos look amazing. You could make this into a meal.

      Reply
    9. Sue

      June 26, 2020 at 8:17 am

      5 stars
      You’re right, these Carne Asada Nachos are perfect for game day!!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:55 am

        Right? So easy and delicious

        Reply
    10. Emily Flint

      June 26, 2020 at 8:52 am

      5 stars
      The marinade for the carne asada sounds so delicious! I can’t wait to make these nachos!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:55 am

        It’s a really yummy dish, hope you try it

        Reply
    11. Michele Peterson

      June 26, 2020 at 3:10 pm

      5 stars
      What a fun party dish! It disappeared!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:49 am

        Fun and delicious! Glad you liked it.

        Reply
    12. Christie Gagnon

      June 26, 2020 at 3:29 pm

      5 stars
      What a fantastic recipe -YUM!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:49 am

        Thank you very much. Hope you try this recipe!

        Reply
    13. Amy

      June 26, 2020 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      Love this! Great starter to have before dinner that’s for sure!

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:47 am

        It is a great starter. Hope you can try this recipe!

        Reply
    14. Marina

      June 27, 2020 at 3:04 am

      5 stars
      Love nachos and they look so delicious, a perfect appetiser for the whole family to share

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:47 am

        I think so too delicious glad you liked it

        Reply
    15. Chef Dennis

      June 27, 2020 at 4:07 am

      5 stars
      This Carne Asada Nachos is making me hungry! Looks soooo appetizing.

      Reply
      • Patricia Ramos

        July 1, 2020 at 10:46 am

        Right? So easy and delicious

        Reply
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