Nachos BellGrande from Taco Bell features a hearty layer of crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned ground beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, refried beans, diced tomatoes, and cool sour cream, offering a satisfying blend of bold flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Fryer or oven (for tortilla chips)
- Sauce pan (for nacho cheese sauce)
- Skillet or sauté pan (for ground beef)
- Saucepan or microwave (for refried beans)
- Chef’s knife (for dicing tomatoes)
- Cutting board
- Ladle or spoon (for portioning toppings)
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for sour cream)
- Serving platter or tray
Ingredients
- 1 bag tortilla chips
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2/3 cup water
- 1 can (16 oz) refried beans
- 1 can (15 oz) nacho cheese sauce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 cup sour cream
Tortilla chips should be crispy and sturdy to hold the generous toppings without becoming soggy quickly. Using a quality packet of taco seasoning ensures the ground beef is flavorful and authentic to Taco Bell's taste. Warm the nacho cheese sauce gently to maintain its smooth texture, preventing it from separating. Fresh tomatoes add a bright contrast, so be sure to dice them just before serving to keep their freshness. Your efforts will help you create a Nachos BellGrande from Taco Bell copycat menu that closely mimics the original's bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Instructions
- Preheat fryer or oven for tortilla chips (if not using pre-made chips).
- Dice tomatoes using chef’s knife and cutting board; set aside.
- In skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- Add taco seasoning and water to beef; simmer until thickened.
- Warm refried beans in saucepan or microwave until hot.
- Heat nacho cheese sauce in saucepan until smooth and warm.
- Arrange tortilla chips on serving platter or tray.
- Spoon refried beans evenly over chips.
- Sprinkle seasoned ground beef over beans and chips.
- Ladle nacho cheese sauce generously over the beef and beans.
- Scatter diced tomatoes over the top.
- Drizzle or dollop sour cream on top using squeeze bottle or spoon.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
When making a Nachos BellGrande copycat at home, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to create a leaner version. If you don't have taco seasoning, a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika can achieve a similar flavor profile. Refried beans can be replaced with black beans or pinto beans mashed to a creamy consistency, which complements the dish well. Use Greek yogurt as a healthier option in place of sour cream without sacrificing creaminess. You should warm the tortilla chips slightly in the oven before assembling to maintain their crispiness under the toppings.
Tips
Ensure to drain excess fat from the cooked ground beef to prevent sogginess in your Nachos BellGrande. Warm the nacho cheese sauce slowly over low heat to maintain a smooth, creamy texture that evenly coats the toppings. Use fresh, firm tomatoes and dice them evenly to add a refreshing crunch and balanced flavor. When layering, arrange your tortilla chips in a single layer for maximum crispiness, and serve your nachos immediately to enjoy optimal texture.
Nutritions
Nachos BellGrande from Taco Bell provides a significant calorie count primarily from the combination of ground beef, tortilla chips, and nacho cheese sauce. The dish contains a substantial amount of protein from the seasoned ground beef and refried beans, supporting muscle repair and satiety. You will also get fats, both saturated and unsaturated, mainly from the sour cream and cheese sauce, which contribute to flavor richness but should be consumed in moderation. The diced tomatoes add a small boost of vitamins like vitamin C and antioxidants, complementing the overall nutritional profile.
Storage
To maintain the freshness of your Nachos BellGrande leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of preparation. Separate the toppings like sour cream and diced tomatoes from the chips to prevent sogginess, keeping them in small, individual containers for better texture retention. Reheat the chips and meat mixture separately using an oven or skillet to restore crispiness and warmth without compromising quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or shredded chicken for the ground beef to create a leaner version of Nachos BellGrande, which still delivers rich flavor. Instead of canned refried beans, try mashed black beans seasoned with cumin and garlic for a fresher taste with added protein. Consider baking homemade tortilla chips by cutting corn tortillas into triangles and baking them at 375degF (190degC) for about 10 minutes, which offers a crisp texture without frying. For a twist, mix diced jalapenos or pickled jalapenos into the nacho cheese sauce to add a spicy kick that complements the creamy texture.
Allergies
Nachos BellGrande contains common allergens such as dairy in the nacho cheese sauce and sour cream, and may also contain gluten if the tortilla chips are not certified gluten-free. Ground beef is generally safe, but cross-contamination in seasoning packets might introduce soy or wheat allergens. Always review ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety if you have specific food allergies or sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
Nachos BellGrande from Taco Bell combines crispy tortilla chips topped with seasoned beef, warm nacho cheese sauce, refried beans, diced tomatoes, and cool sour cream for a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. The rich, savory ingredients create a crave-worthy snack or meal that appeals to fans of Tex-Mex cuisine. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the portion size and ingredient quality, ensuring fresher tastes and more control over dietary preferences. You will enjoy recreating this iconic dish that brings the beloved Taco Bell experience straight to your kitchen.