Cast Iron Skillet Nachos

The final post of my little two week camping series is for these super yummy and easy cast iron skillet nachos.  You don't really cook the nachos in the skillet.  It's more for getting everything warm once its assembled and for serving.  So if you don't have a cast iron skillet, don't panic.  You can still make these nachos easily using a heavy duty pan or even a disposable aluminum pan.

I've made these a few times this summer for my husband and me while the 8 year old is at his grandparents or another sleep over.  We enjoy them in front of the TV while watching a race or football game just as much as we do while we're camping.  In fact I think they might go on our Super Bowl menu this year.

If you're planning on taking this on your camping trip, you could cook the ground beef, onion, and bean mixture at the campsite over the fire or camp stove, but I prefer to cook it at home.  Then you can bring it on our trip ready to just be warmed before assembly.  I usually only use about 90% of the bag of tortilla chips, but feel free to use the whole bag if you'd like.

Cast Iron Skillet Nachos

1 onion, diced
1 pound ground beef
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt to taste
1 (14.5 ounce) can Ranch Style or Bush's Chili Beans, undrained
1/2 cup hot water
1 (12 ounce) bag of tortilla chips
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterrey jack cheese
1 tomato, diced
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup salsa, prepared or homemade
2 tablespoons sour cream

In a large skillet over medium heat, saute ground beef and onion until beef is browned and cooked through.

Pour in undrained beans and water.  Stir in chili powder, cumin, and salt  Let simmer for 10 - 15 minutes or until mixture is thick and water has cooked down and mixture is hot and bubbly.

Begin assembly by placing the tortilla chips in a 12 inch or larger cast iron skillet.  Spread the meat and bean mixture on top of the nachos.  Sprinkle with cheese.  At this point place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes to melt the cheese if desired.  If assembling at a campsite, cover with aluminum foil and put on the campfire for a couple minutes instead.

Top with tomato and avocado.  Drizzle with salsa and top with a large dollop of sour cream.

Serves 4.