Name: Carnitas Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492433H20M17S
Total time: PT-492433H20M17S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded carnitas; 8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese or Mexican blend cheese; 12-14 oz tortilla chips; 1/2 cup black beans; 1/2 cup corn salsa (or plain corn); Sour cream, for drizzling; Pico de gallo, for topping; Fresh jalapeno slices, to taste; Guacamole, for serving

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Carnitas Nachos are a delicious twist on classic nachos, loaded with tender shredded pork and fresh toppings. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a hearty snack. Crispy chips, melted cheese, and flavorful carnitas come together to create an irresistible treat.

A tray full of nachos with multiple layers starting from the bottom with yellow corn chips spread all over. The next layer has melted orange and white cheese covering the chips unevenly. On top of the cheese, there are pieces of shredded brown meat, scattered black beans, yellow corn kernels, and small chopped red onions. Bright green jalapeño slices and diced red tomatoes are spread across the tray. The entire dish is finished with thin white streaks of sour cream drizzled over everything and small green cilantro leaves scattered on top. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups carnitas (shredded)
12-14 oz tortilla chips

8 oz shredded Colby Jack cheese (or Mexican blend)
1/2 cup black beans

1/2 cup corn salsa (or plain corn)
Sour cream, for topping

Pico de gallo, for topping
Fresh jalapeño slices, for topping
Guacamole, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
Step 2: Spread the tortilla chips in a shallow, even layer over a large baking sheet. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese over the chips, then evenly distribute the black beans, corn salsa, and shredded carnitas. Finish by adding the remaining cheese on top.
Step 3: Place the baking sheet on the lower oven rack and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the carnitas become crispy, and the chip edges start to brown.

Step 4: Remove the nachos from the oven and top with pico de gallo, a drizzle of sour cream, and fresh jalapeño slices. Serve immediately with guacamole on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, warm the carnitas in a skillet before assembling the nachos to make them crispier.
Swap black beans for refried beans if you prefer a creamier texture.

Add sliced olives or pickled jalapeños to boost tanginess.
Use a Mexican cheese blend for a more authentic taste.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, spread the nachos on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350˚F oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep chips from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

A large white tray holds a colorful, layered dish of nachos starting with a base of yellow tortilla chips. On top of the chips is a melted layer of orange and white cheese, scattered shredded brown meat, and black beans. Bright yellow corn kernels and small diced red tomatoes add more color, with thin slices of green jalapeño peppers placed sporadically. There are also small pieces of red onion and chopped green cilantro leaves sprinkled across. White sour cream is drizzled all over in a zigzag pattern. The tray sits on a woven mat over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of carnitas?

Yes, shredded chicken, ground beef, or even pulled pork work well as alternatives and can be seasoned to your preference.

How can I make these nachos vegetarian?

Simply omit the carnitas and add extra beans, grilled vegetables, or plant-based meat substitutes for a flavorful vegetarian option.