Grilled Game Day Nachos

Oh, nachos. Let me count the ways I love you. I mean seriously, I’ve never met a plate of nachos I’ve not liked. Well, maybe the plastic plate with tortilla chips and melted processed cheese, but technically, those weren't nachos.

Oh no, nachos are tortilla chips piled high with cheese, steak, peppers, beans, avocado, salsa, and yes, more cheese. Most importantly, the best nachos are grilled. I’m not talking about just the steak, but the entire nacho platter. Nachos are good. Grilled nachos are even better.

I believe it’s important not to skimp on nacho ingredients. Tortilla chips need to be sturdy to hold the weight of the toppings. The salsa should be fresh, and I always grate my own cheese. When it comes to nachos, it’s all about the details.

My grill pan is my grilled nacho tool of choice. Its perforated bottom carries the flavor of the grill right into the chips, and its large size is perfect for serving.

Nachos are a natural use for leftovers, or as a new meal all to itself. Here’s Jamie Purviance’s perfect grilled nacho take.

Recipe from Weber's Greatest Hits™ by Jamie Purviance

Cheesy Nachos with Steak and Black Beans

People: Serves 12 to 15
Grilling Time: 9 to 11 mins
Prep Time: 30 mins

the Ingredients

Paste

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon packed light sugar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin

1¼ pound skirt steak, ½ to ¾ inch thick, trimmed of excess surface fat, cut crosswise into 2 or 3 pieces
1 bag (12 ounces) tortilla chips
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups your favorite tomato salsa
1 ripe Hass avocado, diced

Instructions

01 In a small bowl mix together the paste ingredients. Brush the paste on both sides of the steak pieces. Let the steak stand at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes before grilling.
02 Prepare the grill for direct cooking over high heat (450° to 550°F).
03 Brush the cooking grates clean. Grill the steak pieces over direct high heat, with the lid closed, until cooked to your desired doneness, 4 to 6 minutes for medium rare, turning once. Remove from the grill and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Cut the steak across the grain into bite-sized pieces.
04 Layer half of the tortilla chips, steak, black beans, cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese on a large sheet pan. Place the pan over direct high heat, close the lid, and cook until the cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. In a medium bowl combine the salsa and avocado. Remove the nachos from the grill. Serve immediately with the salsa. Repeat with the remaining ingredients on a second large sheet pan.