Vegan Loaded Nachos Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Nachos:

  • 8 oz tortilla chips (make sure they’re vegan)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegan cheese (shredded, any variety you like)
  • 1 cup fresh pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice)
  • 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced black olives
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 avocado, diced or mashed (optional for topping)

For the Vegan “Meat” (Optional):

  • 1 cup plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu (seasoned with taco seasoning)

For the Vegan Cheese Sauce (optional but adds a great cheesy layer):

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours or boiled for 10 minutes)
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 cup water or unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the “Meat”: In a skillet, cook the plant-based ground beef or tofu crumbles with taco seasoning until browned. Set aside.
  2. Prepare Cheese Sauce (optional):
    • Blend the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, water/almond milk, garlic powder, and onion powder in a blender until smooth.
    • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
    • Heat on low in a small saucepan until warm and slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
  3. Layer the Nachos:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • On a large baking sheet or oven-safe dish, spread out the tortilla chips in an even layer.
    • Sprinkle the black beans and cooked vegan “meat” (if using) over the chips.
    • Drizzle the cashew cheese sauce or sprinkle shredded vegan cheese on top.
  4. Bake:
    • Place the nachos in the preheated oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until the vegan cheese melts and everything is heated through.
  5. Top the Nachos:
    • Remove from the oven and top with fresh pico de gallo, jalapeño slices, corn, black olives, and green onions.
    • Add diced avocado or mashed avocado on top for extra creaminess.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately while warm. Add extra toppings like vegan sour cream, hot sauce, or guacamole if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately):

  • Calories: 345 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 550mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the brands and quantities of ingredients used.

This vegan nacho recipe is customizable, packed with flavor, and perfect for parties or a casual snack. It’s satisfying with plenty of plant-based protein from the beans and vegan meat, and the creamy cashew cheese sauce makes it extra indulgent.