Afterburners

What Are Afterburners?

Afterburners are the ultimate party appetizer — loaded nachos that bring serious heat! We take crispy tortilla chips, top them with seasoned ground beef, double cheese (cheddar + pepper jack), jalapeños, and a secret blend of hot sauce and cayenne. The name says it all — these bites will light your mouth on fire in the best way possible. Perfect for game day, Super Bowl parties, or any gathering where you need to turn up the heat!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 12 oz tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 2 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp ghost pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat & cook beef: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
2. Season the meat: Add the taco seasoning to the cooked beef along with 3/4 cup water. Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Stir in the hot sauce and extra cayenne for an extra kick.
3. Layer the chips: Spread the tortilla chips in a single layer on a large baking sheet or in a cast iron skillet. Distribute the seasoned beef evenly over the chips.
4. Add the cheese: Sprinkle both the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses generously over the beef. The combination creates the perfect melt with great flavor.
5. Top with extras: Top with sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, and dot with small pieces of butter. The butter helps the cheese melt evenly and adds richness.
6. Bake & serve: Bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from oven, top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately while hot!