Grain Free Nacho Skillet (Corn Free, Dairy Free)

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If you love loaded nachos but need to skip corn, gluten, or dairy, traditional nachos can be a little difficult to navigate. That's why I made these Grain Free Skillet Nachos! This easy nacho skillet is loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, veggies, creamy dairy-free cheese sauce, and crunchy grain-free tortilla chips for a hearty, satisfying meal that just happens to be gluten free, grain free, corn free, nut free, and dairy free.

I saw the viral enchilada skillet all over social media and, since I can't eat corn, figured I could make my own nacho version using Siete grain-free tortilla chips. It came out so good that I obviously had to share it with you all! Instead of piling everything onto a plate of chips, the filling is cooked together in one skillet and the chips are crumbled over the top. Basically, all the best parts of loaded nachos without a mountain of dishes afterward.

This corn-free nacho skillet is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, game day, or whenever you're craving something cheesy, crunchy, and seriously comforting without all the allergens. You can even leave out the beans to make this recipe completely paleo.

Why You'll Love This Grain Free Nacho Skillet Recipe

Corn free and grain free: Traditional nachos rely on corn tortilla chips, but these use grain-free tortilla chips instead. They're also gluten free, dairy free, soy free, and nut free.
No cashew cheese sauce: most dairy free cheese sauces are made with cashews, but not this one! We rely on dairy free milk and nutritional yeast to make a super easy cheese sauce without any soaking of cashews.
Hearty dinner: most "paleo nachos" are appetizer-style. This is a genuine one-skillet meal.
One pan, easy recipe: this entire dish is made in one skillet in just 30 minutes for any easy nacho recipe with minimal clean up.
Protein and nutrient packed: ground beef and beans add protein, while the veggies add flavor, fiber, and nutrients.
Customizable: make this nacho skillet your own with add-ins and toppings of choice.
Family friendly: this is a great meal that the whole family will enjoy because it's delicious and fun.

Grain Free Nacho Skillet Ingredients

Olive oil: use regular olive oil or garlic-infused olive oil for extra flavor. Garlic-infused oil can be a useful option if you're following a low-FODMAP diet.
Fennel or onion: fennel is a great low FODMAP option, but onion also works.
Bell pepper: any color bell peppers will work.
Zucchini: we load these nachos up with plenty of veggies to add volume and nutrients.
Ground beef: I opt for lean ground beef for this recipe, but see subs below for other options.
Black Beans: you'll need a can of rinsed and drained black beans for added protein and fiber.
Taco seasoning, salt: I use the Siete taco seasoning packets as they don't contain MSG, gluten, or other additives.
Grain free tortilla chips: I love the Siete grain free tortilla chips because they are also corn free. Look for tortilla chips that are both grain free and corn free, since not all grain-free chips are necessarily corn-free. See substitutions section below for other chip options.

Cheese Sauce

Dairy free milk: coconut milk provides the creamiest texture, but any dairy free milk will work.
Nutritional yeast: this provides the cheesy flavor without any dairy.
Tapioca starch: thickens the cheese sauce to resemble a melted cheese situation.

How to Make Grain Free Skillet Nachos

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add fennel or onion and sauté until softened.
Add bell pepper and zucchini and cook until they begin to soften.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through.
Stir in black beans, taco seasoning, and salt to the beef mixture.
While the beef mixture cooks, whisk together the dairy-free milk, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch until smooth.
Reduce the skillet heat to low and pour in the cheese sauce. Stir until thick and creamy.
Crumble a layer of tortilla chips over the top and serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Substitutions and Variations

Veggies: you can use any veggies you like in your nachos or whatever you have in your fridge that needs to be used up.
Beef: any ground meat will work here. Ground chicken or ground turkey would also be delicious.
Beans: black beans are classic for nachos, but if you have a different bean preference, go for it! Kidney beans are another great option. You can also leave out the beans for a completely paleo option.
Chips: for another grain-free option, try plantain chips.
Vegetarian option: for a vegetarian option omit meat/add more beans or use a plant based "beef" crumble.

Serving and Storage

Add your favorite nacho toppings just like you would regular nachos!

avocado slices/guacamole
salsa or pico de gallo
cilantro
lime wedges
fresh jalapeños
hot sauce
sour cream or shredded cheese, if tolerated.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you know you'll have leftovers, I would only add chips to the portion you are serving. After reheating leftovers, add fresh chips so they stay crispy. You can also portion and freeze servings (without chips) for up to 3 months.

Tips for Making the Best Grain Free Nacho Skillet

If cheese sauce is too thick, add extra milk to thin it out. If cheese sauce is too thin, mix in an extra ½ tablespoon of tapioca starch as needed to thicken it up.
Spice level: stick to a mild taco seasoning if you aren't into spice or a spicy packet if that's your jam. Kick up the spice with added jalapeños and hot sauce
Use a large skillet: This recipe makes a generous amount, so use at least a 10–12-inch skillet or cast-iron skillet to give everything enough room.
Add chips right before serving or they'll get soggy. You want crispy tortilla chips for the best dinner!
Store leftovers without the chips to avoid them from getting soggy or add a second layer of chips after reheating.

corn free nacho skillet with dairy free cheese sauce

FAQ

Are nachos gluten free?

Traditional nachos are often gluten free, but made with corn tortilla chips. Therefore, those with corn allergies still can't eat nachos so I designed this recipe to be both gluten-free and corn-free.

Is this nacho skillet recipe grain free and corn free?

Yes! I designed this recipe to be allergy friendly which means it is fully grain free, gluten free, and corn free as written.

Is this nacho skillet dairy free?

Yes, we make an easy homemade cheese sauce instead of dairy-based cheese.

Can I make these skillet nachos vegetarian?

You sure can! Leave out the meat and add more beans or use a plant based "meat" substitute.

Can I make this nacho skillet without beans?

Absolutely. Simply leave out the black beans and add a little extra meat or vegetables if desired. This also makes the recipe Paleo-friendly.

Can I make this ahead/meal prep it?

Yes, it will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days, but do not add the chips until ready to eat or they will get soggy. This meal is also freezer friendly.

What are the best grain-free tortilla chips for nachos?

Siete tortilla chips are my favorite option. If you use another brand, just make sure the chips are both grain free and corn free if you're avoiding corn.

More Gluten Free One Pan Dinners

Creamy Beef and Veggie Pasta (gluten and dairy free)

Tomato Free Sloppy Joes

Plantain Taco Bowls

Coconut Lamb and Sweet Potato Curry

Get everything you need to make these skillet nachos in one click!

If you try this Grain Free, Corn free Nacho Skillet, I'd love to hear how you enjoyed it and what toppings you added! Tag me on social media and drop any questions in the comments below

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