For the Spiced Beef:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp flour
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup carnation milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar + pepper jack mix)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Pinch of Garlic powder
• Pinch of onion powder
• 1 tbsp of jalapenos, chopped
• Salt to taste

For the Pico de Gallo:

• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of ½ lime
• Salt to taste

For Assembly:

• Store-bought plantain strips
• Sour cream
• Avocado Chunks
• Sliced jalapeños (for garnish)

Prepare the Spiced Beef

1. 1Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 2 minutes until soft and fragrant.
2. 2Add the ground beef, minced garlic and tomato paste. Use a spoon to break up the beef as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5 minutes.
3. 3Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to bloom the spices, then let everything simmer for another 5 minutes.
4. 4Sprinkle in the flour and stir well to combine. Let it cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

1. 1In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Stirring constantly.
2. 2Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. 3Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheese, mixing until fully melted and velvety.
4. 4Add the diced jalapeño, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste. Keep warm until ready to use.

Make the Pico de Gallo

In a bowl, combine tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and let sit to marinate while everything else comes together.

Assemble the Nachos

1. 1Lay your plantain strips on a platter or serving board.
2. 2Spoon the warm spiced beef mixture over the chips.
3. 3Drizzle generously with that creamy cheese sauce.
4. 4Top with pico de gallo.
5. 5Finish with Avocado chunks and jalapeño slices for color and kick!