Super Deluxe Steak Nachos: A Recipe for the Ultimate Game Day Feast

Steak nachos. The words alone evoke images of towering plates piled high with crispy tortilla chips, tender, juicy steak, rivers of melted cheese, and a vibrant array of toppings. This isn’t your average bar snack; this is a full-blown culinary experience. And we’re not just talking about any steak nachos; we’re talking about *Super Deluxe* Steak Nachos. Think premium cuts of beef, artisanal cheeses, homemade pico de gallo, and a creamy, dreamy queso that will have you licking your fingers clean. Get ready to elevate your nacho game to a whole new level.

This recipe is perfect for game day gatherings, casual weekend dinners, or any occasion that calls for a seriously satisfying and shareable dish. It’s customizable, adaptable, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your grill (or your stovetop), and let’s get started!

## The Key to Super Deluxe Steak Nachos: Quality Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe itself, let’s talk about the importance of using high-quality ingredients. This isn’t the time to skimp on the good stuff. The better the ingredients, the better the nachos. Period.

* **The Steak:** The star of the show. We recommend using a flavorful and tender cut of beef, such as sirloin, flank steak, skirt steak, or even ribeye. Each cut offers a slightly different texture and flavor profile, so choose your favorite or experiment to find what you love best. For this recipe, we’ll be using sirloin steak, known for its balanced flavor and relatively lean profile.
* **The Chips:** Opt for sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to the weight of the toppings. Thin, flimsy chips will crumble under the pressure, leaving you with a soggy mess. Look for chips that are thick, crispy, and lightly salted.
* **The Cheese:** Forget pre-shredded cheese. It’s often coated with cellulose to prevent clumping, which also inhibits melting. Instead, buy blocks of your favorite cheeses and shred them yourself. A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack provides a delicious blend of flavors and textures. For the queso, we’ll use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of Velveeta for extra creaminess.
* **The Toppings:** This is where you can really get creative. Fresh, vibrant toppings are essential for balancing the richness of the steak and cheese. Think pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, black beans, corn, and cilantro. The possibilities are endless!

## Super Deluxe Steak Nachos Recipe

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes

### Ingredients:

* **For the Steak:**
* 1.5 lbs sirloin steak, about 1 inch thick
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* 1 tbsp chili powder
* 1 tsp cumin
* 1 tsp smoked paprika
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp onion powder
* 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Queso:**
* 2 tbsp butter
* 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
* 2 cups milk
* 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
* 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
* 4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
* 1/4 tsp garlic powder
* 1/4 tsp onion powder
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* **For the Nachos:**
* 1 large bag (12-16 oz) restaurant-style tortilla chips
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
* **For the Toppings:**
* 1 cup pico de gallo (recipe follows)
* 1 cup guacamole (recipe follows)
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, sliced
* 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1/2 cup corn, canned or frozen (thawed)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

### Pico de Gallo Recipe:

* 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
* 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tbsp lime juice
* Salt and pepper to taste

### Guacamole Recipe:

* 3 ripe avocados
* 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 2 tbsp lime juice
* Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Steak:**

* Pat the sirloin steak dry with paper towels. This will help it develop a nice crust when cooked.
* In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
* Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. If you have a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat.
* Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). For medium, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C).
* Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet or grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

**2. Make the Queso:**

* In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until a smooth paste forms (this is called a roux).
* Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
* Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Velveeta cheese.
* Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the queso is smooth and creamy.
* Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
* Keep the queso warm over low heat while you assemble the nachos.

**3. Prepare the Pico de Gallo:**

* In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
* Stir well to combine and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

**4. Prepare the Guacamole:**

* In a medium bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until smooth or slightly chunky, depending on your preference.
* Stir in the red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well to combine.

**5. Assemble the Nachos:**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* On a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, arrange the tortilla chips in a single layer.
* Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the chips.
* Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
* Remove the nachos from the oven and drizzle generously with the warm queso.
* Top with the sliced steak, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream, pickled jalapeños, black beans, corn, and cilantro.

**6. Serve Immediately:**

* Serve the Super Deluxe Steak Nachos immediately while they are still warm and the cheese is melted.
* Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Spice it Up:** Add a dash of hot sauce to the queso or use spicier jalapeños in the pico de gallo and guacamole for an extra kick.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the steak with grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini, or black beans and corn.
* **Add More Protein:** Incorporate shredded chicken, ground beef, or pulled pork for an even heartier dish.
* **Customize the Cheese:** Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as queso fresco, Oaxaca cheese, or cotija cheese.
* **Get Creative with Toppings:** Add your favorite toppings, such as roasted red peppers, caramelized onions, or crumbled bacon.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the steak, queso, pico de gallo, and guacamole ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the nachos just before serving.
* **Sheet Pan Nachos:** This recipe easily adapts to a sheet pan format for larger gatherings. Simply spread the chips on a large sheet pan and follow the assembly instructions.
* **Individual Nacho Plates:** For a more personalized experience, let your guests build their own individual nacho plates with their favorite toppings.
* **Grill the Steak:** For a smoky flavor, grill the steak instead of pan-searing it. Make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak to your desired level of doneness.
* **Slow Cooker Queso:** Make the queso in a slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Combine all the queso ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and smooth.
* **Air Fryer Nachos:** If you want to make a smaller batch of nachos, you can use an air fryer. Layer the chips, cheese, and toppings in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

## Serving Suggestions:

Super Deluxe Steak Nachos are a meal in themselves, but they also pair well with other appetizers and sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Appetizers:** Serve alongside other game day favorites, such as chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or onion rings.
* **Sides:** Offer a side of coleslaw, potato salad, or corn on the cob to complement the richness of the nachos.
* **Drinks:** Pair with your favorite beer, margarita, or soda.
* **Dessert:** Finish off the meal with a sweet treat, such as brownies, cookies, or ice cream.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Leftovers:** Leftover Super Deluxe Steak Nachos are best stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the nachos in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but they may become slightly soggy.
* **Freezing:** Freezing is not recommended, as the chips will become soggy and the cheese may separate.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

* Calories: 800-1200 per serving (depending on toppings and serving size)
* Fat: 50-80g
* Saturated Fat: 25-40g
* Cholesterol: 150-200mg
* Sodium: 1000-1500mg
* Carbohydrates: 50-80g
* Fiber: 5-10g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 40-60g

*Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion:

Super Deluxe Steak Nachos are the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish. With tender, flavorful steak, creamy queso, and a mountain of fresh toppings, they are sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy the best nachos you’ve ever tasted! This recipe is a guaranteed winner, providing a customizable and unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy!