What’s better than classic nachos? Patacón Loaded Nachos — or “Pataconachos.” I love traditional nachos, but these patacón-based nachos are even more irresistible. Crispy twice-fried green plantains replace tortilla chips and create a crunchy, savory base for all the toppings you love.
Patacón Loaded Nachos
Erica Dinho
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 20 cooked patacones
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced onion
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 to tomatoes diced
- Jalapeño sliced (fresh or canned) to your taste
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- Cilantro leaves chopped
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
Instructions
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Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat and sauté the diced onion until soft. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat. Stir in the garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Add the water, reduce the heat to low and simmer about 20 minutes to meld the flavors.
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To assemble, arrange a layer of cooked patacones on an ovenproof dish. Top with a layer of the seasoned beef and sprinkle with half of the cheddar and half of the Monterey Jack. Repeat: another layer of patacones, more beef and the remaining cheese.
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Bake in a 325°F (160°C) oven just until the cheese melts. Remove and finish with diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, thinly sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, guacamole and a dollop of sour cream. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Patacones, also called tostones, are twice-fried green plantains common across Latin America. They’re typically served as a side or appetizer and are excellent with dips. I enjoy patacones with meals and as a salted snack, but they also make an outstanding chip substitute for nachos.
One night I wanted nachos but had no tortilla chips, so I swapped in patacones. The result became my new favorite appetizer: Pataconachos. The crisp patacones hold up beautifully under warm beef and melted cheese and add a satisfying texture and flavor.
These nachos combine savory beef, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack, fresh tomatoes, spicy jalapeños, creamy guacamole and tangy sour cream. The mix of colors, textures and flavors makes Patacón Loaded Nachos a crowd-pleaser for parties or a special snack at home.
Buen provecho!
