Slow-Cooked Carnitas Nacho Stack

This post is proudly sponsored by Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa. Rest assured, my enthusiasm for their authentic flavors is entirely my own.

Epic Carnitas Nachos with Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa: The Ultimate Game Day Feast

Imagine: Layers of crispy corn chips, succulent slow-cooked Carnitas, creamy pinto beans, and a generous blanket of melted cheese, all grilled or baked to bubbly perfection. Crowned with your favorite fresh toppings and a vibrant drizzle of Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa, these Carnitas Nachos are guaranteed to be the star of any gathering!

Get Ready for Game Day: Tailgating and Irresistible Food!

The crisp air, the roar of the crowd, the palpable excitement – it can only mean one thing: football season is here! And with it comes the beloved tradition of tailgating. While showing off your unwavering team spirit is paramount, let’s be honest, the second most important element of any successful tailgate or game-day party is undeniably the food. Am I right? From classic chili to juicy burgers, the culinary spread sets the tone for a fantastic day. This year, elevate your game-day menu with an unforgettable dish that combines robust flavors and effortless shareability: Carnitas Nachos, made extraordinary with Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa.

Introducing Martinez Salsa: The Authentic Taste Your Palate Craves

I had the absolute privilege of developing this incredible recipe specifically to showcase Martinez Salsa – a truly exceptional addition that will revolutionize your tailgating spreads and everyday meals. This isn’t just any salsa; it’s a testament to tradition, flavor, and quality that shines through in every bite.

Martinez Salsa embodies the true spirit of Mexican fire-roasted salsa. Its rich legacy began five generations ago, meticulously crafted by Grandmother Martinez in the sun-drenched southern regions of Mexico. For years, this culinary treasure was exclusively available within Mexico’s borders, a beloved local secret. But now, it’s finally accessible to kitchens everywhere, bringing an unparalleled depth of flavor to your table.

What truly sets Martinez Salsa apart is its origin: developed in a home kitchen, not a sterile laboratory. This commitment to authenticity ensures a homemade taste that’s both robust and fresh. You’ll discern the difference from the very first spoonful – a genuine flavor profile that mass-produced salsas simply cannot replicate. Martinez Salsa comes in four distinct and delicious flavors to suit every preference: Mild, Medium, Red Hot, and a unique Peach variety for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their heat. Each flavor is crafted with the same dedication to quality, featuring fire-roasted tomatoes, peppers, and aromatic spices that create a vibrant and complex base.

The Perfect Tailgate or Home Party Appetizer: Carnitas Nachos

Whether you’re immersing yourself in the pre-game festivities in the stadium parking lot or hosting an epic watch party right in your living room, these Carnitas Nachos are designed to feed a crowd with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Their versatility is unmatched; they cook up beautifully on a grill, achieving that desirable smoky char, or can be easily prepared in your oven for a perfectly golden, bubbly finish. These nachos aren’t just a snack; they’re a centerpiece, a conversation starter, and a truly satisfying meal that brings people together.

The secret to these sensational nachos begins with mouth-watering, tender Slow Cooker Carnitas. Preparing the carnitas in advance allows the flavors to deepen and ensures you’re not rushing on game day. This makes the assembly of the nachos incredibly quick and simple, allowing you more time to enjoy the company and the game!

Once your flavorful carnitas are ready, the next step is to grab your preferred Martinez Salsa and gather an array of enticing toppings. This is where you can truly customize your nacho experience, catering to all tastes and preferences. The beauty of nachos lies in their adaptability – everyone can build their perfect bite.

Why Carnitas Nachos are a Game-Day Essential

Nachos and tailgating are truly a match made in culinary heaven. They offer a comforting, satisfying, and utterly delicious experience that perfectly complements the excitement of game day. The combination of savory carnitas, creamy beans, sharp cheese, and the bright, zesty kick of Martinez Salsa creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for more. These aren’t just ordinary nachos; they are a premium experience, designed to impress and delight.

When your guests take their first bite of these fully loaded Carnitas Nachos, infused with the authentic flavor of Martinez Salsa, you’ll be sure to have your own loyal fan following. The ease of preparation, combined with the incredible taste, makes this recipe a clear winner for any host.

So, how do you like YOUR nachos? I prefer mine completely loaded, a true mountain of deliciousness. My salsa of choice for this recipe was the Martinez Medium – I added a very generous amount right over the top. This ensures that I get that perfect punch of authentic fire-roasted flavor in every single bite! The balance of heat and savory goodness from the Medium salsa beautifully cuts through the richness of the carnitas and cheese, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Recipe: Game Day Carnitas Nachos with Martinez Salsa

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Print Recipe

Carnitas Nachos

Layers of crispy corn chips, tender Carnitas, hearty pinto beans, and melty cheese grilled or baked until bubbly, then adorned with your favorite fresh toppings and a generous dollop of Martinez Salsa! These nachos are perfect for sharing at any gathering.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican, American, Tailgate
Keyword: Carnitas Nachos, Game Day Food, Easy Nachos, Pork Nachos
Servings: 1 Large Platter (serves 4-6)
Calories: 2927kcal
Author: Michaela Kenkel

Ingredients

  • Carnitas prepared in advance (Recipe Found Here)
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 8 ounces Monterrey Jack Cheese shredded
  • 1 15-ounce can Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
  • Large bag of sturdy corn tortilla chips choose a brand known for holding up well under toppings
  • 1 jar Martinez Medium Salsa or your preferred flavor
  • Optional Topping Ideas: sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, black olives, pickled banana or jalapeño peppers, shredded lettuce, fresh chopped tomato, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions

Instructions

  • First, prepare your carnitas ahead of time. This tender, flavorful pork is the foundation of these amazing nachos and can be made a day or two in advance for ultimate convenience.
  • Preheat your oven or grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C). This high heat is crucial for quickly melting the cheese and crisping the chips without overcooking the toppings.
  • In your chosen baking dish or aluminum pan, begin layering your ingredients. Start with a base layer of sturdy corn chips, followed by a generous scattering of prepared carnitas, then some drained pinto beans, and finally, a good amount of shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process: chips, carnitas, pinto beans, and cheese, creating impressive, sky-high nachos that ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
  • Place the layered nachos into the preheated oven or onto the grill. Bake or grill for approximately 5 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted, golden, and bubbling around the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
  • Carefully remove the hot nachos from the oven or grill. Serve them directly from the baking dish or pan, allowing guests to customize their epic nachos with a variety of fresh toppings and, of course, a generous pour of Martinez Medium Salsa (or your favorite Martinez flavor!).

Notes

Grilling Tip: For tailgating, a disposable aluminum cake or pie pan works perfectly on the grill. If baking indoors, use any oven-safe dish.
Carnitas Hint: The linked carnitas recipe makes a substantial batch, which is fantastic because it freezes exceptionally well! Prepare a large quantity, divide it into portions, and freeze. Then, simply thaw and reheat whenever a craving for these incredible nachos strikes. 😉

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 2927kcal | Carbohydrates: 162g | Protein: 138g | Fat: 198g | Saturated Fat: 94g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 80g | Trans Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 456mg | Sodium: 4736mg | Fiber: 40g | Sugar: 28g

Tips for the Perfect Nacho Layers

Creating truly epic nachos involves more than just throwing ingredients together. Here are some pro tips to ensure your Carnitas Nachos are a resounding success:

  • Choose the Right Chip: A sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chip is paramount. Flimsy chips will break under the weight of the toppings, leading to a less enjoyable experience. Look for restaurant-style or scoop-shaped chips for maximum topping retention.
  • Even Distribution is Key: When layering, make sure each chip has a fair share of carnitas, beans, and cheese. This prevents sad, naked chips at the bottom of the pile and ensures consistent flavor in every mouthful.
  • Don’t Overload Before Baking: While we want loaded nachos, piling on too many cold, wet toppings (like sour cream or fresh tomatoes) before baking can make your chips soggy. Stick to the core warm ingredients (carnitas, beans, cheese) for the baking process.
  • The Cheese Blend: The combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack offers the best of both worlds – the tangy flavor of cheddar and the superior melt of Monterey Jack. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded varieties.
  • The Martinez Salsa Finish: The absolute final touch should be a generous drizzle of your chosen Martinez Salsa. Its fresh, fire-roasted flavor is the vibrant counterpoint to the rich, savory layers beneath.

Customizing Your Nachos: Topping Galore!

Part of the fun of nachos is personalizing them! While the base of carnitas, beans, and cheese is phenomenal, the toppings allow for endless creativity. Set up a “Nacho Bar” for your guests with a variety of options:

  • Creamy Additions: Sour cream, Mexican crema, or a dollop of fresh guacamole add a cooling, creamy element.
  • Fresh & Crunchy: Finely shredded lettuce, diced fresh tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Tangy & Spicy Kicks: Pickled jalapeños (or fresh for serious heat!), pickled red onions, or even a sprinkle of Tajín can elevate the flavor profile.
  • Herbal Brightness: Fresh cilantro and sliced green onions are non-negotiable for many nacho enthusiasts, adding a burst of freshness.
  • Other Protein Options: While carnitas are supreme, consider adding a sprinkle of cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken to cater to different tastes, making these truly epic loaded nachos for everyone.

Find Martinez Salsa Near You and Get Cooking!

Are you ready to experience the true taste of Mexican fire-roasted salsa? Want to know where you can grab a jar (or four!) of Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa to elevate your next meal or game-day spread? Simply click HERE to find a store near you! Discover the full range of Mild, Medium, Red Hot, and Peach flavors.

Which authentic flavor will you try first with your incredible Carnitas Nachos?

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Looking for even more amazing recipes featuring this incredible salsa? Grab more great Martinez recipes directly on their official website!