Crunchy tortilla chips loaded with leftover Chipotle Black Bean Stew and smothered with cheese is pretty much nacho perfection! Whether you plan to share them or eat them all to yourself, these Chipotle Black Bean Nachos are the perfect vegetarian (or vegan) nacho option for something a little bit special.
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We can never have too many nacho recipes in our life, right? If you love our Loaded Chicken Nachos, but are wanting to eat more meat-free meals, then this is definitely one to try.
Chunky and protein packed beans mean that you really don't miss the meat, and the chipotle give them so much flavour.
Speaking of beans, if you want to try more bean based recipes, why not try our Bean Burrito, White Bean Pasta or Three Bean Curry?
Want more nacho recipes? Try our quick Air Fryer Nachos or our delicious Breakfast Nachos.
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Why You Will Love It
- Protein packed - The star of this recipe is the black beans and they are a great source of protein. They are chunky, with a meaty texture, which means that you really don't miss the meat in these nachos.
- Perfect food for sharing - Nachos are just made for sharing. I know it might be hard to part with half of this dish, but sharing is caring! If you have friends coming over for movie night or to watch a game, then this is the perfect dish to throw together.
- Use up leftovers - The best thing about this recipe is that it uses up leftovers from our black bean stew. If you just want to make these nachos, without making the stew first, then we have given you the instructions for that too.
- Easy - If you do have leftovers of the stew, then this couldn't be easier. Just layer everything up and put it in the oven (or even the microwave for a super speedy version).
Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Tortilla chips - You could use your favourite brand of store bought tortilla chips to save some time, or you could go the homemade route and use our Oven Baked Tortilla Chips.
- Black beans - We used leftovers from our chipotle black bean stew (more on that below), but you could just use a can of black beans to save time and mix it with some herbs and spices
- Cheese - When it comes to nachos, you want a cheese that melts really well, which is why we use cheddar. We use a mature cheddar as it has a strong flavour which means you don't need to use as much of it. Monetary jack cheese works well too.
- Nacho toppings - The best thing about nachos is the toppings in our opinion. Go crazy and pile them high. We love guacamole, creme fraiche and loads of jalapenos.
More ingredient substitutions and variations can be found in the recipe card.
Step by Step Instructions
Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
Step 1
Lay the tortilla chips on the baking tray and top with the salsa and then ¾ of the cheese.
Step 2
Add the black bean stew and then the rest of the cheese.
Step 3
Put into the oven for 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted. Top with mashed avocado, creme fraiche and jalapenos.
Black Bean Topping
Whilst you could just open up a can of black beans and add them to the tortilla chips, why not take it one step further and use a Chipotle Black Bean Stew?
A rich and hearty black bean stew with a kick of heat from chipotle paste and delicious smokiness from the paprika. Make a big batch for dinner, and then use leftovers the next day for these nachos.
If you don't want to make the stew, then you could just drain a can of black beans and mix it with some tomato puree and Mexican seasoning and then add it to these nachos the same way. We definitely recommend making the stew though.
Nacho Toppings
Nachos are all about the extra toppings, right? Whilst the black beans and cheese are really the main toppings for these nachos, why stop there?
We went with spoonfuls of our Homemade Guacamole, some creme fraiche and loads of jalapenos. But you could add a fresh tomato and avocado salsa or do something a little different by adding a Mango Salsa or Pineapple Salsa just before serving.
Dannii's Top Tips
- If you are using store bought tortilla chips, make sure they are really thick ones. The black bean topping is pretty heavy, and the tortilla chips need to be able to hold the weight of them when you scoop everything up.
- If you want to make the clean up a lot easier, then line your baking paper with foil or baking paper first. You don't have to, but it will make things a lot easier for you.
- Don't use a bag of ready grated cheese. Although this is a time saving option, store bought grated cheese tends to have a starchy coating on it which prevents the cheese from melting properly, and nachos need to be super melty.
- To make the black bean stew topping more like a refried bean mixture, you could blend it a little until it is the desired consistency.
- Got some black bean stew left over? Put it in a bowl to serve with everything else, and dip the nachos in it. You won't regret it.
Frequently Asked Questions
We layer ours on a big baking tray and then cook them in the oven. However you could save yourself some time and heat everything through in the microwave until the cheese melts. But we find the texture is better when it is done in the oven.
Technically you can store nachos, but they really are best made fresh. Reheating the nachos can make the tortillas go dry and the cheese can spoil. Also, never reheat the toppings like guacamole and sour cream. If you are going to store them, then keep them in an air tight container and keep no longer than 2 days. You could always eat them cold.
Yes, it is easy to make a vegan version of this. Simply use your favourite brand of vegan cheese that melts well, and make sure that all the other toppings (like sour cream) are vegan alternatives too.
We have suggested using our homemade tortilla chips, which are not gluten free. If you use store bought tortilla chips, most are gluten free. Make sure there is no cross contamination from the other ingredients, then these nachos can easily be gluten free.
Yes, you could layer everything up and then keep it in the fridge until you are ready to put it in the oven. It may need any extra 5 minutes in the oven if it has come out of the fridge though.
More Mexican Recipes
If you've tried these black bean nachos, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Chipotle Black Bean Nachos
Ingredients
- 200 g (7 oz) Tortilla Chips
- 2 portion Chipotle Black Bean Stew
- 200 g (0.75 cups) Salsa
- 75 g (3.5 oz) Cheese - your choice; one that melts well)
- 25 g Cheese - your choice; one that melts well)
- Jalapeños - to suit your level of spiciness
- 1 Avocado - mashed
- 100 g (0.5 cups) Crème fraîche
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C(fan)/400°F/Gas 6.
- Lay 200 g Tortilla Chips on the baking tray and top with 200 g Salsa and then 75 g Cheese.
- Spoon 2 portion Chipotle Black Bean Stew over the tortillas and 25 g Cheese.
- Put into the oven for 10 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
- Top with 1 Avocado (mashed), 100 g Crème fraîche and Jalapeños.
Recipe Tips
- If you are using store bought tortilla chips, make sure they are really thick ones. The black bean topping is pretty heavy, and the tortilla chips need to be able to hold the weight of them when you scoop everything up.
- If you want to make the clean up a lot easier, then line your baking paper with foil or baking paper first. You don't have to, but it will make things a lot easier for you.
- Don't use a bag of ready grated cheese. Although this is a time saving option, store bought grated cheese tends to have a starchy coating on it which prevents the cheese from melting properly, and nachos need to be super melty.
- To make the black bean stew topping more like a refried bean mixture, you could blend it a little until it is the desired consistency.
- Got some black bean stew left over? Put it in a bowl to serve with everything else, and dip the nachos in it. You won't regret it.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Joanne says
I made these last night and they were so, SO good. Even my fussy husband enjoyed them and that's saying something. I have tried most of your Mexican recipes and love them all.
Leah Lander-Shafik says
I love all your recipes, I am doing weight watchers at the minute and have been enjoying your recipes. I only just referred to that Joey Doesn't Share Food' episode today as well. Mainly as someone has been stealing my cheese from the fridge.
Keely's Nails says
Mexican food is my favourite and I love black beans - these look delicious!
Nayna Kanabar says
What a great way to use up left overs and add protein to a delicious dish.
Melanie Edjourian says
This looks great, I do love nachos and make them every so often when I remember. These look like they would be super tasty.
melissa major says
This looks amazing, never made this before but will be very soon! I love nachos and avocados
tanya brannan says
This looks so tasty and relatively simple! A perfect saturday night kind of dinner, whilst watching a film!
Helen says
These were so good. I love black beans so it's nice to find a different way to use them.
Rachel says
This is my kind of food, I absolutely love anything Mexican and anything with chipotle x
Stephanie Merry says
Oh wow this looks delicious! I'll have to give it a try to make this weekend x
Jemma says
Nachos are great and I love that you've used your left over stew for this recipe!
nicol says
oh my, this is my heaven. i need some right now
Erin says
We have friends coming over for dinner at the weekend and these would be perfect! Thanks dannii xx
Ladies Pass It On says
oooooo this looks like a fab recipe for me to try! Great to serve up at the weekend on movie night! Looks delish!
Rhian Westbury says
I totally missed national tortilla chip day, wish I'd have known as I'd have made some nachos too x