Trash Can Nachos
Trash can nachos are a delicious loaded nachos that is piled and layered in a trash can! Filled with delicious layers of tortilla chips, queso dip, taco meat, black beans, and more; this is a filling snack that could also be a meal.
Are you dreaming of nacho night done big? These trash can nachos are just the ticket!
Simply layer classic nacho ingredients sky-high inside an emptied trash can, ending with a final blanket of chips on top.
When ready to serve, flip the trash can over a large serving platter or baking sheet for a tower of nachos.
Trash Can Nachos
Trash can nachos is the perfect dish for feeding a crown. They are loved not only for how good they taste, but also because of the tower of nachos made with them.
This shareable snack is perfect for game days, birthday parties, movie nights or even Taco Tuesday.
Ingredients for Trash Can Nachos
Tortilla chips: Choose your favorite brand.
Shredded cheese:
Queso dip: Pre-made white queso takes the work out of making a cheese sauce from scratch.
Taco meat: Seasoned ground beef or turkey work well.
Black beans:
Guacamole: I prefer homemade, but you can always buy pre-made guacamole.
Sour cream:
Tomatoes, onion, green onions, jalapenos: Add some additional flavor and heat. Add what you like.
How to make
To assemble, place a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of a clean trash can. Drizzle with warmed queso dip then sprinkle with taco meat, black beans, and shredded cheese.
Continue layering ingredients, ending with a final chips layer on top. When ready to serve, carefully invert the entire trash can onto a large serving platter, allowing the nachos to spill out in one solid portion.
Garnish with guacamole, sour cream and preferred vegetable toppings. Serve immediately.
More Delicious Mexican Inspired Meals:
Fiesta Chicken and Rice Casserole
Air Fryer Chicken Quesadillas
Taco Lasagna
Tips for Making Trash Can Nachos
Here are some tips for making show-stopping Trash Can Nachos:
- Use a clean, food-safe trash can or storage bin without scratches for safety.
- Layer ingredients in order of sturdiness to avoid crunching delicate toppings.
- Warm queso and toppings like beans beforehand to rush melting into chips.
- Freeze meat or use pre-cooked to keep it from getting soggy near the bottom.
- Pack layers firmly so top chips don't crumble off during inversion.
- Invert smoothly and steadily over a large rigid surface like cardboard.
- Garnish handsomely with various colors of veggies for visual flair.
- Offer bowls of sour cream, guac, salsa etc for customizing eats.
- Play festive Mexican music to set the mood for maximum fun factor.
- Have wet wipes or napkins accessible for clean-up after indulging!
Storage and Leftovers
I don't recommend saving these for later, these trash can nachos are definitely better eaten fresh and right after making.
If you want to save them for later, the chips won't keep their crispness. I'd suggest heating them in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes and then check them. Or, you can warm chilled nachos covered in the oven at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until hot.
What to Pair Trash Can Nachos With
Here are some ideas of what to pair these with:
- Chili - a warm bowl of chili with these nachos on the side make a great meal
- Chicken tortilla soup - a batch of soup also pairs nicely with these nachos
- Guacamole, sour cream or homemade salsa - these all make great dips
Trash Can Nachos
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 bags tortilla chips
- 2 cups prepared white queso dip warmed
- 1 pound taco meat from ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup prepared guacamole
- 1 cup sour cream
- Diced tomatoes for garnish
- Diced red onion for garnish
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Sliced jalapenos for garnish
Instructions
- In a new, clean trash can (about 1.5 gallons,) add a layer of tortilla chips.
- Drizzle the tortillas as desired with the queso dip.
- Add a sprinkle of taco meat, black beans, and shredded cheese over the queso dip.
- Repeat the layers until the trash can is full.
- When ready to serve, invert the trash can over a large serving platter or baking sheet.
- Drizzle the nachos with guacamole and sour cream if desired.
- Garnish the nachos with preferred toppings such as diced tomatoes, diced red onion, sliced green onions, and sliced jalapenos.
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
