Ultimate Carnitas Nachos: Your Go-To Game Day Recipe with Authentic Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa
This post is sponsored by Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa, but my love of the product and its incredible flavor is entirely my own.
Get ready to elevate your game day experience or any casual gathering with a truly spectacular dish: Carnitas Nachos! Imagine generous layers of crispy corn chips, succulent slow-cooked carnitas, creamy pinto beans, and a decadent blend of cheeses, all grilled or baked to gooey, bubbly perfection. But the secret ingredient that truly sets these nachos apart, transforming them into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece, is a lavish topping of authentic Martinez Fire Roasted Salsa. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for more!
Embrace the Spirit of Game Day with Incredible Food
The roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game, and the camaraderie of fellow fans – there’s nothing quite like football season! And whether you’re tailgating in the stadium parking lot, hosting a lively watch party in your living room, or simply enjoying a cozy night in, one thing is certain: fantastic food is absolutely essential. It’s not just about nourishing yourselves; it’s about enhancing the entire experience, creating memories around delicious shared plates. While team spirit is undoubtedly the first thing you bring to any game day event, the food you serve is a very close second, wouldn’t you agree?
These Carnitas Nachos are designed to be the ultimate crowd-pleaser, delivering robust flavors and a satisfyingly cheesy crunch in every bite. They’re hearty enough to fuel your cheering, yet effortlessly customizable to suit every palate. Imagine a platter brimming with these glorious nachos, ready for friends and family to dig in – pure perfection!
Introducing Martinez Salsa: The Authentic Flavor Secret
I had the distinct privilege of crafting this Carnitas Nachos recipe specifically to highlight the incredible taste of Martinez Salsa – and let me tell you, it’s a truly remarkable product. This salsa is poised to become the new indispensable addition to all your tailgating festivities and home entertaining. Its authentic, vibrant flavor profile elevates every dish it touches, and these nachos are no exception.
What makes Martinez Salsa stand out? It’s more than just a condiment; it’s a taste of tradition. This is true Mexican fire-roasted salsa, a recipe carefully developed five generations ago by Grandmother Martinez in the sun-drenched southern regions of Mexico. For years, this culinary gem was only available within Mexico, but thankfully, its exquisite flavors are now accessible to us all. You can truly taste the difference that authentic preparation makes. Unlike many mass-produced salsas developed in laboratories, Martinez Salsa comes from a family kitchen, steeped in heritage and passion. From your very first bite, you’ll experience the deep, smoky notes of fire-roasted vegetables and the fresh, vibrant zest of carefully selected ingredients. Martinez Salsa offers a fantastic range of flavors to suit every preference: Mild, Medium, Red Hot, and even a unique Peach variety for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their heat.
The Perfect Base: Slow Cooker Carnitas
The foundation of these epic nachos lies in the rich, savory flavor of Slow Cooker Carnitas. Carnitas, a Mexican slow-cooked pork dish, translates to “little meats,” and it’s a culinary marvel. Pork shoulder or butt is simmered until incredibly tender, then often crisped up for a delightful textural contrast. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become unbelievably flavorful and fall-apart tender, making it an ideal candidate for nachos. It absorbs the spices and juices, resulting in a moist and savory topping that perfectly complements the crispy chips and melted cheese. Preparing the carnitas in advance in a slow cooker makes this nacho recipe incredibly convenient and ideal for entertaining. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it approach that yields maximum flavor with minimal effort, allowing you to focus on game day fun!
Once your carnitas are ready, all that’s left is to gather your favorite Martinez Salsa and an array of fresh, vibrant toppings. This recipe offers versatility, allowing you to assemble a grand platter of nachos whether you’re cooking on a grill in a bustling parking lot or baking in your oven at home. Both methods yield gloriously melted cheese and perfectly warm ingredients, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
Crafting Your Perfect Nacho Platter
The beauty of nachos lies in their simplicity and the endless possibilities for customization. These Carnitas Nachos are designed for maximum flavor and ease of preparation. You start with a sturdy corn chip – choose one that can stand up to generous toppings without breaking. Then, layer upon layer of deliciousness builds up: the tender carnitas, wholesome pinto beans, and a generous medley of shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. The double layering ensures that every chip gets a good helping of toppings and cheese, preventing dry spots and ensuring a satisfying bite throughout the entire platter.
Once assembled, a quick trip to a hot oven or grill transforms these ingredients. In just about 5 minutes, the cheese will be beautifully melted and bubbly, signifying that your masterpiece is ready. The aroma alone will draw everyone to the kitchen or grill, eager to dive in!
The Final Touch: Toppings and Martinez Salsa
Nachos and tailgating truly go hand-in-hand. They’re interactive, shareable, and inherently festive. Once your cheesy carnitas nachos emerge from the heat, the fun truly begins with the toppings. This is where you can let your creativity shine! Classic choices like cool sour cream, creamy avocado slices or guacamole, and sliced olives add wonderful textures and flavors. For those who love a kick, consider banana or jalapeño peppers (fresh or pickled). Freshly shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, bright cilantro, and thinly sliced green onions add freshness and vibrant color. And, of course, the star of the show: a very generous amount of Martinez Salsa right over the top! I personally adore the Martinez Medium Salsa; its balanced heat and smoky depth permeate every nook and cranny, ensuring a burst of flavor with every single bite.
With a spread like this, you will undoubtedly cultivate your own fan following. The moment they take their first loaded bite, they’ll understand why these Carnitas Nachos are a must-have for any gathering.
How do you like YOUR nachos? Whether you prefer them piled high with every possible topping or a bit more minimalist, the foundation of crispy chips, savory carnitas, and the bold flavor of Martinez Salsa will make them spectacular. My personal preference leans towards completely loaded nachos, with an extra generous helping of that incredible Martinez Medium Salsa ensuring a perfect blend of flavors in every bite. It’s all about creating an experience that everyone will savor and remember long after the final whistle blows.
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Carnitas Nachos
Ingredients
- 3 cups Carnitas prepared in advance (Recipe Found Here for a large batch)
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
- 8 ounces Monterrey Jack Cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
- 1 15 ounce can Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
- Large bag of sturdy corn tortilla chips a good, thick chip works best for loading!
- 1 jar Martinez Medium Salsa (or your preferred heat level)
- Optional Topping Ideas: Sour cream, sliced avocado or guacamole, black olives, pickled banana or jalapeño peppers, shredded lettuce, fresh chopped tomato, fresh cilantro, green onions
Instructions
-
Prepare Carnitas: Ensure your carnitas are prepared ahead of time and shredded. If reheating, do so gently before layering.
-
Preheat Oven/Grill: Preheat your oven or grill to 450 degrees Fahrenheit (230°C). This high heat ensures quick melting and bubbling without burning the chips.
-
Layer the Nachos: In your chosen baking dish or aluminum pan, begin layering. Start with a foundation of sturdy corn chips, followed by a generous scattering of carnitas, then a layer of drained pinto beans, and finally, a good amount of shredded cheese (both cheddar and Monterey Jack). Repeat this layering process: chips, carnitas, pinto beans, cheese. This double layer ensures maximum topping coverage and cheesiness throughout the entire pan of nachos.
-
Bake or Grill: Place the layered nachos in the preheated oven or on the grill. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted, bubbly, and slightly golden at the edges. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
-
Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the hot nachos from the oven or grill. Serve them immediately, right out of the baking dish, with a variety of fresh toppings on the side. Let everyone customize their own epic nachos with plenty of Martinez Salsa for an unforgettable experience!
Notes
For Baking: Any oven-safe dish, such as a cast-iron skillet or a ceramic baking dish, will work perfectly.
Pro Tip: The Carnitas recipe yields a substantial amount, which is great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd! It freezes exceptionally well, so you can easily portion and freeze leftovers. This means you’ll always have delicious carnitas on hand for whenever a nacho craving strikes! 😉
Nutrition
Find Your Perfect Martinez Salsa and Get Inspired!
Ready to experience the authentic, fire-roasted flavor of Martinez Salsa for yourself? Don’t wait to try these incredible Carnitas Nachos or discover the many ways Martinez Salsa can enhance your favorite meals. Finding a jar (or four!) of this exceptional salsa is easier than ever. Click HERE to locate a store near you and embark on your own culinary adventure with Martinez Salsa.
With four distinct flavors – Mild, Medium, Red Hot, and Peach – which one will you try first? Each offers a unique profile, perfect for different dishes and different palates. Whether you crave a gentle warmth, a balanced kick, fiery intensity, or a surprising sweet-and-spicy blend, Martinez Salsa has something for everyone.
Stay connected with Martinez Salsa and get inspired by even more delicious recipes and cooking tips! Follow them on social media to keep up with their latest offerings and join a community of flavor enthusiasts:
For more fantastic Martinez recipes that showcase the versatility and rich flavor of their fire-roasted salsas, be sure to visit their official website. You’ll find a treasure trove of culinary ideas to make every meal an affair to remember. These Carnitas Nachos are just the beginning!