Mexican Trio: Nachos, Fajitas, and Chili con Carne

Photo: M.studio / stock.adobe.com

This Mexican Trio features three iconic dishes in one: crispy nachos topped with melted cheese, sizzling fajitas bursting with flavor, and hearty chili con carne.

Whether you're hosting a party or craving a satisfying meal, this combination offers a vibrant and flavorful experience perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Serve them together for an ultimate Mexican feast!

Ingredients

For the Nachos:

• 1 bag tortilla chips

• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

• 1/2 cup black beans, drained

• 1/4 cup jalapeños, sliced

• 1/2 cup salsa

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1/4 cup guacamole

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

For the Fajitas:

• 1 lb chicken breast or beef steak, thinly sliced

• 1 onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 tbsp fajita seasoning (or a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder)

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• Flour tortillas

• For the Chili con Carne:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained

• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chili con Carne

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Fajitas

In another skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, cooking until softened. Season the chicken or beef with fajita seasoning and add it to the skillet. Cook until the meat is fully cooked and slightly charred around the edges, about 8-10 minutes. Warm the tortillas and serve the fajitas with the sautéed vegetables.

Step 3: Assemble the Nachos

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet and sprinkle with shredded cheese, black beans, and jalapeños. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and top with salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Step 4: Serve the Trio

Arrange the nachos, fajitas, and chili con carne on a large platter or serve them separately. Enjoy this Mexican feast with family and friends!

Tips

• Feel free to substitute the meat in the fajitas or chili with your favorite protein, such as shrimp or tofu, for a different twist.

• You can customize the nachos with additional toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or green onions.

• For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the fajitas and nachos before serving.