The big game needs a big plate of your favorite game-day foods. And while there’s nothing wrong with a plate of baked chicken wings, sometimes you crave the crunch of a chip topped with all the fixings. I’m talking about nachos! These Game Day Paleo Nachos are perfect for celebrating the home team (or any team!) This recipe uses whole food ingredients for a dairy-free, AIP-compliant snack. You can use Siete tortilla chips or swap in some plantain chips for a crunchy, savory appetizer and snack that everyone will enjoy.
How Can Nachos Be Paleo?
These nachos use real food ingredients including organic, grass-fed ground beef and fresh avocado. All of the ingredients are compliant with Paleo and Autoimmune-Paleo diets. They are grain-free, dairy-free, legume-free, and packed with amazing nutrients. Everything that regular nachos aren’t.
Despite their differences, don’t be deceived by their healthier ingredients. Game Day Paleo Nachos are absolutely delicious. While the nacho sauce may not taste the same as it’s nasty, inflammatory namesake, it will become a family favorite all on its own.
So How Are Game Day Paleo Nachos Healthy?
Game Day Paleo Nachos can actually be a part of a healthy diet. Not only are these nachos made without processed ingredients, they also contain essential vitamins and minerals to help power you through the day. Here are some of the healthy ingredients in this appetizer:
Siete Tortilla Chips/Plantain Chips
The Siete brand makes Paleo tortilla chips from cassava flour, chia seeds, and seasoning. I highly recommend using these if you can tolerate chia seeds, especially if you’re feeding a crowd, as they are sure to make your plate more of nacho experience.
However, if you’re in the strict elimination phase of AIP or you can’t tolerate chia seeds, then I recommend using plantain chips. These chips are so yummy and you can make them at home if you’re concerned about processed oils. The crunchier the plantain chip, the better. Just like their sweet cousin the banana, plantain chips are full of nutrients including potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Ground Beef
Ground beef provides this big plate of food with a healthy amount of protein while providing you with a range of B vitamins, iron, and even some omega-3 fatty acids. These are all essential to your health, and nobody would even know that’s on your mind with these delicious nachos.
Avocados
Avocados are the main ingredient in the avocado crema for these nachos. I love avocados on their own because they keep me full and they’re full of beneficial nutrients. This AIP-compliant fruit is loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, magnesium, potassium, and folate. Not to mention, avocados are known to support healthy digestion.
Coconut Milk
This is one of the ingredients that will be used to make your nacho “cheese.” This luscious milk contains omega-3s and promotes healthy digestion while making your sauce extra creamy. Together, coconut milk and sweet potatoes create the perfect, AIP and Paleo, nacho “cheese,” as well as a host of amazing nutrients.
Cilantro
I know that this herb is still up for debate, yet cilantro is an amazing way to support your body’s detoxification process. Cilantro also provides a distinct, traditional Mexican flavor. This herb contains several B vitamins, Vitamins A, C, E, and K, and minerals like calcium and potassium.
How to Make Paleo Nachos
All of the elements for these Game-Day Paleo Nachos are easy to make and even easier to assemble.
Melt a tablespoon of your oil of choice in a skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef and cook until browned. Your beef should be fully cooked through and broken into small pieces. Add your taco seasoning and salt and set aside.
To make your avocado crema by combining your avocados, red onion, fresh cilantro, coconut cream, salt, and lime juice in a blender. Puree until well combined. Pour into a jar, and store covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve your nachos.
Now, it’s time to make your nacho sauce — combine all ingredients for the nacho sauce in a blender and blend until smooth. Make sure your coconut cream is fully combined with the other ingredients before using your nacho sauce.
When it’s time to assemble your nachos, you’ll start by arranging your chips in a single layer on a large platter. Layer the ground beef over the chips, followed by the avocado crema, and then the nacho sauce. Finish off your nachos by garnishing with toppings of your choice, such as cilantro, red onion, and black olives.
These nachos are best served immediately. I do not recommend storing or reheating them because the texture will not be the same. However, because they’re so easy to make, if you find you want a plate of nachos after the big game, you can throw these paleo nachos together for any weeknight gathering!
