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Trash Can Nachos Recipe

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4 from 22 reviews

Trash Can Nachos are a fun, crowd-pleasing layered nacho dish built in a large container and inverted onto a serving platter. This appetizer features layers of crispy tortilla chips, warm queso dip, seasoned taco meat, black beans, melted cheese, and topped with creamy guacamole, sour cream, and fresh garnishes like diced tomatoes, onion, green onions, and jalapenos. Perfect for parties or casual gatherings, these nachos combine hearty ingredients and vibrant flavors in a fun presentation.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 bags tortilla chips
  • 2 cups prepared white queso dip, warmed
  • 1 pound taco meat (from ground beef or ground turkey)
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1 cup prepared guacamole
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • Diced tomatoes, for garnish
  • Diced red onion, for garnish
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Sliced jalapenos, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Layer Chips: In a clean trash can or a large 1.5-gallon container, start by adding a layer of tortilla chips covering the bottom evenly.
  2. Add Queso: Drizzle the warm white queso dip over the tortilla chip layer as desired to ensure even coverage.
  3. Layer Meat and Beans: Sprinkle a layer of seasoned taco meat evenly over the queso, followed by a layer of rinsed and drained black beans.
  4. Add Cheese: Cover the meat and bean layer with shredded cheese, spreading it thoroughly.
  5. Repeat Layers: Continue layering the tortilla chips, queso, taco meat, black beans, and shredded cheese until the trash can is filled to the top.
  6. Invert and Serve: When ready to serve, carefully invert the trash can over a large serving platter or baking sheet to create a stacked nacho mound.
  7. Add Toppings: Drizzle the top of the nachos with prepared guacamole and sour cream as desired.
  8. Garnish: Finish by sprinkling diced tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced green onions, and sliced jalapenos for added flavor and color.

Notes

  • Use a clean, food-safe container similar in size to a trash can if you do not have an actual trash can to prevent contamination.
  • Warm the queso dip before layering to help melt the cheese and flavor the chips.
  • You can substitute taco meat with seasoned ground chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative.
  • Customize toppings according to preference or dietary restrictions.
  • If serving a large group, have extra toppings on the side for guests to add.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex