Carnivore Nachos are a fun, high-protein snack or meal for those following a carnivore or keto diet. Instead of traditional tortilla chips, the “chips” are made from meat, cheese, or pork rinds. Here’s a delicious way to make these meat-heavy nachos.
Ingredients:
- For the “chips”:
- 1 lb ground beef, ground pork, or steak, cooked and seasoned
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (for cheese crisps)
- 1 bag pork rinds (optional)
- Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 6-8 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/4 cup guacamole (optional, for keto-friendly nachos)
- Sliced jalapeños (optional)
- 1/4 cup diced grilled or sautéed onions (optional for keto-friendly nachos)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat “Chips” (if using meat crisps):
- Ground beef/pork option: Cook ground beef or pork in a skillet until browned, seasoning with salt, pepper, and any desired spices (like garlic powder or smoked paprika). Let the meat cool slightly.
- Steak option: Grill or pan-sear steak to your liking, then slice thinly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Cheese Crisps (if using cheese chips):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place small piles (about 2 tablespoons) of shredded cheese on the parchment paper, leaving space between them. Flatten the piles slightly.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese melts and forms a golden, crispy edge. Remove from the oven and let the crisps cool until firm.
- Assemble the Nachos:
- Arrange the meat “chips,” cheese crisps, or pork rinds on a large oven-safe plate or sheet pan.
- Top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and any optional toppings like sautéed onions or jalapeños.
- Melt the Cheese:
- Place the assembled nachos under the broiler in the oven for 2-3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve and Add Toppings:
- Remove the nachos from the oven and top with dollops of sour cream, guacamole, or any other desired toppings. You can also garnish with sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
Tips & Variations:
- Cheese chips variation: Instead of using ground beef or pork rinds, you can make all the chips from baked cheese crisps, or mix them with pork rinds for added crunch.
- Seasoning: Add taco seasoning to the ground meat for more flavor, or top with hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Add-ons: While sticking to the carnivore theme, you can experiment with additional meats like shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even slices of deli meats for variety.
These Carnivore Nachos are a hearty, satisfying snack that offers all the flavors of traditional nachos while keeping things low-carb and meat-focused!