Beef Cheek Barbacoa
2 trimmed beef cheeks
Fancy Hank’s BBQ pepper (to taste)
Beef stock (enough to cover)
1 onion, diced
1 green capsicum, diced
1 large tablespoon tinned chipotle chilli in adobo
Nachos
200g bag of La Tortillería Totopos (tortilla chips)
Shredded cheese mix (white cheddar, mozzarella, asiago)
Fancy Hank’s Original BBQ sauce
Pickled jalapeños
Garnish options:
Chopped coriander, fresh cos lettuce, diced tomatoes, pan-fried corn
Method
Beef Cheek Barbacoa
- Season the trimmed beef cheeks generously with Fancy Hank’s BBQ pepper.
- In a hot pan or over a charcoal BBQ, sear the beef cheeks for 3 minutes on each side or until nicely caramelised.
- Place the seared beef cheeks into a slow cooker or stock pot.
- Add beef stock until the beef is covered.
- Add the diced onion, diced green capsicum, and 1 large tablespoon of tinned chipotle chilli.
- Cook on low heat until the beef is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork. Roughly 3.5 hours at 160 °C.
- Taste & adjust seasoning with additional BBQ pepper if desired.
Nachos
- Preheat your oven to a high temperature (around 400°F/200°C).
- Layer the shredded beef, La Tortillería totopos (tortilla chips), and a generous amount of shredded cheese mix in an oven-safe dish.
- Drizzle with Fancy Hank’s BBQ sauce and top with pickled jalapeños.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and finish with your choice of chopped coriander, cos lettuce, diced tomatoes and pan-fried corn
Serve
- Enjoy your Loaded Nachos while hot!
About this recipe
What makes these nachos “loaded”?
These nachos are loaded with slow-cooked beef cheek barbacoa, a mix of cheeses, pickled jalapeños, BBQ sauce, and optional fresh toppings like coriander, lettuce, and tomatoes — making them hearty, flavourful, and satisfying.
Can I use a different cut of beef for the barbacoa?
Yes, brisket or chuck can also work well, but beef cheeks are ideal for tender, melt-in-your-mouth results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the beef barbacoa in advance, then assemble and bake the nachos just before serving to keep them crispy and gooey.
What type of cheese works best for loaded nachos?
A mix of white cheddar, mozzarella, and asiago melts beautifully and adds creamy, tangy flavour.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the beef barbacoa with spiced jackfruit, beans, or roasted vegetables to create a delicious vegetarian-loaded nachos version.
How do I keep the tortilla chips from getting soggy?
Layer the chips with cheese and toppings right before baking. Avoid adding wet ingredients (like salsa) until serving.
Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?
Yes. Fancy Hank’s Original BBQ sauce works perfectly, but any smoky, tangy BBQ sauce will complement the beef nicely.
What temperature should I bake the nachos?
Bake at a high temperature around 200°C (400°F) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I add extra toppings?
Absolutely. Avocado, sour cream, corn, diced tomatoes, lettuce, or fresh coriander all pair well with these loaded nachos.
Can I freeze loaded nachos?
It’s best to freeze the beef barbacoa separately. Assemble and bake the nachos fresh to maintain crispy chips and gooey cheese.
