Simple Smoked Loaded Nachos

Important Note: When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Content, pricing, offers and availability are subject to change at any time - more info.

Nachos make a great appetizer but why make regular nachos when you could upgrade and enjoy smoked loaded nachos? The smoky flavor is amazing! Nachos aren’t Mexican; they are a Tex-Mex dish since they’re rarely seen in Mexico.

Chicken, kielbasa sausage and tri-tip offer delicious meaty flavors while cheese, jalapeños and green onion add even more appeal. You will need to cook the 3 kinds of meat before assembling the nachos, as the smoker is simply to add a smoky flavor and melt the cheese, not to cook the meats. 

If you like, you can use other kinds of meat. Pulled pork, ground beef, flank or skirt steak strips, or anything else would be fine, as long as it’s cooked first. This is a great recipe for leftover meat too, if you have some and are wondering what to do with it.

Smoked Loaded Nachos

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 1123kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 bag tortilla chips
  • 1 pound chopped cooked tri-tip
  • 1 pound sliced cooked kielbasa sausage
  • ½ cup tomato salsa
  • 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
  • cups shredded cheddar
  • 1 small jar of jalapeño slices
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • ½ cup guacamole
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives

Instructions

  • All ingredients ready? Let's begin!
  • Preheat a smoker or pellet grill to 375 degrees F.
  • Spread the chips in a foil baking tray then top with the salsa, sausage, chicken, and tri-tip.
  • Add the green onions, olives, jalapeños, and cheese.
  • Cook for about 12 minutes on the grill or until the cheese has melted.
  • Sprinkle the cilantro over the smoked loaded nachos and serve with guacamole and sour cream on the side.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 1123kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 68g | Fat: 62g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 205mg | Sodium: 2002mg | Potassium: 1235mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 755IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 388mg | Iron: 6mg

A Vegetarian Option

On the other hand, if you want a vegetarian version of smoked loaded nachos, omit the meat and replace it with grilled mushrooms, grilled bell peppers, fire-roasted corn, or other grilled veggies. 

Black beans or pinto beans are another option for a meat-free version. If you’re going to add beans and/or corn, heat them separately and add them after the nachos are done.

Handy Notes

  • Use your favorite type of wood pellets – maple, hickory, cherry, apple, or mesquite are just some of your options or you could combine more than one kind. 
  • Any type of tortilla chips would be good here. You could even make your own by cutting corn tortillas into triangles and deep frying them for a couple of minutes at 350 degrees F. Drain them on paper towels then proceed with the nachos recipe.

Smoked loaded nachos are a great way to use leftover cooked meat and this recipe makes a wonderful appetizer for the whole family to share. It’s also a nice idea if you’re having a gathering since nachos are so share-able. 

So the next time you’re in the mood for nachos, heat up the pellet grill or smoker and get ready for an extra-special flavor experience.


Recent Recipes