Queso Diablo Nachos from Qdoba feature crispy tortilla chips layered with spicy queso queso dip, zesty jalapenos, seasoned ground beef, fresh pico de gallo, and a drizzle of cool sour cream, delivering a bold combination of fiery heat and creamy flavors.
Equipments
- Fryer or oven (for tortilla chips)
- Saucepan or steam table (for queso dip)
- Stove or griddle (for cooking ground beef)
- Mixing bowl (for pico de gallo)
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for sour cream drizzle)
- Ladle (for serving queso)
- Serving tray or nacho platter
- Tongs (for assembling nachos)
- Knife and cutting board (for jalapenos and pico)
Ingredients
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups spicy queso dip
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 jalapenos
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
When preparing the spicy queso dip, be sure to use a queso that balances heat with creamy texture to complement the crispy tortilla chips perfectly. Fresh jalapenos add a zesty punch, so slice them just before assembling to maintain their vibrant flavor and crunch. Season your ground beef thoroughly with taco seasoning to achieve that authentic, bold taste reminiscent of Qdoba's signature dish. Pico de gallo should be fresh and well-drained to avoid soggy nachos, preserving the crisp layers. Your Queso Diablo Nachos from Qdoba copycat menu will deliver the same fiery heat and creamy flavors that make this dish a customer favorite.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat fryer or oven and cook tortilla chips until crispy, if not using pre-made chips.
- Prepare spicy queso dip in a saucepan or steam table and keep warm.
- Cook ground beef on stove or griddle; add taco seasoning and mix well.
- Slice jalapenos using a knife and cutting board.
- Prepare pico de gallo in a mixing bowl if making fresh.
- Arrange tortilla chips evenly on a serving tray or nacho platter.
- Use a ladle to pour warm spicy queso dip over chips.
- Evenly distribute seasoned ground beef over queso-covered chips.
- Spoon pico de gallo across chips.
- Scatter sliced jalapenos on top.
- Drizzle sour cream over nachos using a squeeze bottle or spoon.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Queso Diablo Nachos from Qdoba copycat menu can be easily customized based on your kitchen setup and ingredient availability. If spicy queso dip is unavailable, you can substitute with a blend of cheddar cheese and jalapeno peppers for a similar creamy and spicy flavor profile. Ground beef seasoned with taco seasoning can be replaced with ground turkey or plant-based protein to suit dietary preferences. Fresh jalapenos can be swapped with pickled jalapenos or other chili varieties for varied heat intensity. When making pico de gallo, adjusting lime juice and cilantro quantities allows you to tailor the freshness and zestiness to your taste.
Tips
Ensure your tortilla chips are evenly toasted to maintain a crisp texture and avoid sogginess from the queso dip. When cooking ground beef, thoroughly brown it and blend in taco seasoning well for consistent flavor in every bite. Slice jalapenos carefully to control the heat level, adjusting the quantity to your preference. For best presentation and taste, assemble the nachos just before serving to keep the layers fresh and prevent the chips from becoming soggy.
Nutritions
Queso Diablo Nachos from Qdoba combine high-protein ground beef with calcium-rich queso dip and fresh pico de gallo, providing a balance of macronutrients and vitamins. The spicy jalapenos contribute capsaicin, which may boost metabolism, while the tortilla chips add a source of carbohydrates for energy. Sour cream adds creaminess and supplies healthy fats, enhancing satiety and flavor. Your meal delivers a flavorful mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, suitable for satisfying hunger with a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover Queso Diablo Nachos in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Separate the components by refrigerating the spicy queso dip, seasoned ground beef, and pico de gallo individually to preserve flavor and texture. Your tortilla chips should be kept in a sealed bag at room temperature to avoid sogginess before reheating the assembled nachos in an oven or air fryer for best results.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the ground beef for shredded chicken or black beans to cater to different dietary preferences or to add variety to the protein source. Instead of jalapenos, try using pickled banana peppers or diced serrano peppers for a different level of heat and tanginess. For the queso dip, consider incorporating roasted poblano peppers or a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack and cheddar to enhance the flavor profile. Baking the assembled nachos briefly in the oven can help melt the queso and meld the toppings together, creating a gooey and cohesive dish.
Allergies
Queso Diablo Nachos contain common allergens such as dairy from the queso dip and sour cream, which may trigger reactions in those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The dish also includes ground beef and jalapenos, which could cause sensitivity or allergic reactions in some individuals. Make sure to check ingredient labels for hidden allergens in taco seasoning and pico de gallo to protect your dietary needs.
Why this recipe?
Queso Diablo Nachos from Qdoba stand out for their rich, creamy queso blended with spicy jalapenos and tangy pico de gallo, delivering a bold flavor profile that excites the taste buds. The dish balances heat and creaminess, appealing to those who enjoy a satisfying, spicy snack. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the spice level and ingredients, ensuring it perfectly suits Your palate. This nacho creation is worth trying for its vibrant combination of textures and flavors that elevate an everyday comfort food into a gourmet experience.