Cantina Nachos from Dave & Buster's feature crispy tortilla chips topped with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, seasoned ground beef, jalapenos, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and a drizzle of tangy sour cream, delivering a flavorful and colorful Tex-Mex feast.
Equipments
- Baking sheet
- Oven or broiler
- Skillet
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon
- Small spoon or squeeze bottle (for sour cream drizzle)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- Tortilla chips
- Cheddar cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Ground beef
- Taco seasoning
- Jalapenos
- Black beans
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Sour cream
Ensure your ground beef is evenly seasoned with taco seasoning for an authentic Tex-Mex flavor that complements the melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro brighten the dish and balance the richness of the sour cream and cheese. Black beans should be rinsed and drained well to prevent sogginess on your nachos. Jalapenos add a spicy kick, but adjust the amount based on your heat preference to keep the flavors harmonious. Your homemade Cantina Nachos from Dave & Buster's copycat menu will deliver the same colorful and flavorful experience as the original.
Instructions
- Preheat oven or broiler.
- Brown ground beef in skillet.
- Add taco seasoning to beef; cook until well combined.
- Prepare pico de gallo by mixing diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in mixing bowl.
- Arrange tortilla chips on baking sheet.
- Sprinkle cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over chips.
- Evenly distribute seasoned ground beef and black beans over cheese-covered chips.
- Add sliced jalapenos on top.
- Place baking sheet in oven or under broiler; melt cheese.
- Remove from oven and transfer nachos to serving platter.
- Spoon fresh pico de gallo over nachos.
- Drizzle sour cream over top using small spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Cantina Nachos from Dave & Buster's copycat menu feature a bold blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over crispy tortilla chips, topped with seasoned ground beef, jalapenos, black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and sour cream. If you don't have Monterey Jack cheese, you can substitute with mozzarella or a mild white cheddar for a similar creamy texture. In place of ground beef, cooked shredded chicken or turkey works well and offers a lighter protein option. When fresh jalapenos are unavailable, pickled jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper can add comparable heat to your dish. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cheese and Greek-style yogurt as a sour cream alternative to maintain the creamy tang.
Tips
Make sure to evenly spread the cheese over the tortilla chips to ensure every bite has a perfect melt and flavor. When browning the ground beef, cook it thoroughly and drain excess fat to avoid soggy nachos. Use fresh, finely diced ingredients for the pico de gallo to enhance the vibrant taste and texture of your Cantina Nachos. Your nachos will stay crispy and delicious by serving them immediately after drizzling the sour cream.
Nutritions
Cantina Nachos from Dave & Buster's provide a rich source of protein from ground beef and black beans, essential for muscle repair and energy. The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses supplies calcium and vitamin D, supporting bone health. Jalapenos add a boost of vitamins A and C, known for their antioxidant properties. Your meal also includes fresh pico de gallo, offering hydration and dietary fiber through tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, enhancing digestion and overall nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover Cantina Nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness, ideally within 2 hours of preparation. Reheat using an oven or broiler on a baking sheet to restore crispiness to the tortilla chips and melt the cheese evenly. To preserve your nachos' texture and flavor, avoid microwaving as it can make the chips soggy and unevenly warmed.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap ground beef with shredded chicken or chorizo to vary protein flavors while maintaining the Tex-Mex essence. For a vegetarian option, replace meat with sauteed mushrooms or roasted vegetables. Use pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack to add a spicy kick. When preparing pico de gallo, you can include diced avocado for extra creaminess, enhancing your nachos' texture and taste.
Allergies
Cantina Nachos from Dave & Buster's contain common allergens such as dairy from cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, and sour cream, which may affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The tortilla chips may contain gluten if not specifically labeled gluten-free, and the taco seasoning could include trace amounts of soy or other allergens. If you have food allergies, it's essential to check with the restaurant to confirm ingredient details and potential cross-contamination risks.
Why this recipe?
Cantina Nachos from Dave & Buster's features a perfect blend of crispy tortilla chips, melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, jalapenos, and fresh pico de gallo that creates an irresistible flavor combination. The dish's shareable size and bold, satisfying taste make it a favorite for game-night snacks or casual dining with friends. You can recreate this popular menu item at home to enjoy the same rich, crave-worthy experience while customizing toppings to suit your taste. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to bring the excitement of Dave & Buster's to your kitchen without the wait or cost.