Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! Why settle for one incredible flavor when you can have both? That’s the philosophy behind my fantastic Surf & Turf Nachos Explosion! Imagine tender, seasoned ground beef, juicy, garlicky shrimp, and loads of melty cheese, all piled high on crispy tortilla chips. Every bite is an adventure, bursting with a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone diving in for more. Get ready to elevate your nacho game!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore these Surf & Turf Nachos because they’re the ultimate crowd-pleaser and a brilliant way to combine two beloved proteins into one unforgettable dish. It’s a fantastic fusion of land and sea, delivering incredible depth of flavor. Despite their impressive appearance, they’re surprisingly easy to assemble and bake, making them perfect for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. Plus, the sheer joy of pulling apart a chip loaded with savory beef, tender shrimp, and gooey cheese is unparalleled. They’re a guaranteed hit and always disappear fast!

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to build your epic Surf & Turf Nachos:

• 1 bag (about 13-16 ounces) sturdy tortilla chips
• ½ lb lean ground beef
• ½ lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (for beef)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for shrimp)
• 1 clove garlic, minced (for shrimp)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or nacho cheese blend
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or green onion (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Guacamole

Swaps and Notes

• Tortilla Chips: Use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to generous toppings. Thin chips might break or get soggy.
• Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is preferred to avoid excess grease. Ground turkey or a blend of beef and pork can also be used.
• Shrimp: Use large shrimp for the best texture. Frozen shrimp work great, just ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry. You can leave the tails on or off based on preference.
• Taco Seasoning: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning for the beef to your taste. A splash of water with the seasoning helps distribute the flavor.
• Cheese: Shredded cheddar or a mixed nacho cheese blend offers the best melt. Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack (for a kick), or a Mexican blend are also great choices.
• Garlic for Shrimp: Freshly minced garlic adds crucial aroma and flavor to the shrimp.
• Toppings: The optional fresh toppings are highly recommended as they add crucial freshness, acidity, and cooling elements to balance the richness of the cooked ingredients.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning and a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons). Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the beef is well seasoned. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cook the Shrimp: In a separate medium pan or skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the shrimp to the pan. Cook for about 1.5-2 minutes per side, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Do not overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Assemble the Nachos: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tortilla chips evenly in a large foil tray or a large, oven-safe baking dish. For a fully loaded experience, you can layer half the chips, then half the toppings, and then repeat with the remaining chips and toppings.
4. Layer & Melt Cheese: Evenly top the chips with the cooked ground beef. Then, generously sprinkle about half of the shredded cheddar or nacho cheese blend over the beef. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the cheesy beef layer. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. If using diced jalapeños, scatter them on top now.
5. Melt & Finish: Pop the assembled nachos into the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Watch carefully to prevent burning the chips.
6. Garnish & Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven. Immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. Serve hot and fresh with your favorite optional dips like sour cream, salsa or pico de gallo, and guacamole on the side.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook Shrimp: This is critical! Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn opaque pink, remove them from the heat.
• Layering is Key: Don’t just dump all the toppings on top. Layering ensures that every chip gets a good distribution of beef, shrimp, and cheese.
• Preheat Oven: A hot oven ensures the cheese melts quickly without drying out the other ingredients.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large baking dish or two smaller ones if needed to ensure chips aren’t too piled up, allowing even heating and cheese melt.
• Serve Immediately: Nachos are always best served straight out of the oven when the cheese is gooey and the chips are still crisp.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Surf & Turf Nachos are a complete meal on their own, especially with all the toppings. They’re perfect for:

• Game Day Parties: The ultimate shareable snack for any sporting event.
• Movie Night: Elevate your casual movie night with this indulgent treat.
• Casual Dinner: A fun and interactive dinner for the whole family.
• Beverages: Pair with cold beer, margaritas, or refreshing non-alcoholic options like iced tea or my Blueberry Lemonade.
• Other Party Foods: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, these nachos would go perfectly with my Crockpot Nacho Dip for a variety of cheesy dips, or alongside my Sheet Pan Quesadillas for more Tex-Mex fun.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Nachos are definitely best eaten fresh. The chips tend to get soggy once the cheese cools. While you can store any rare leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, the texture will not be ideal. To attempt to re-crisp, spread on a baking sheet and bake in a hot oven (around 375°F/190°C) or air fryer for a few minutes until cheese is re-melted. It’s usually best to make just enough for immediate consumption!

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the incredible flavor and crowd-pleasing nature of these Surf & Turf Nachos, and you’re a fan of satisfying, hearty meals, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular recipes:

• For a fantastic one-pan meal that’s incredibly convenient, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• For a different twist on loaded potato/tater tot dishes, try my Totchos: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win!.
• And for another amazing cheesy, shareable dish that transforms a classic, check out How I Turned a Classic Sandwich into the Ultimate Cheesy Hot Dip.

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Final Thoughts

These Surf & Turf Nachos are an absolute explosion of flavor, bringing together the best of land and sea in one irresistible dish. They’re easy, customizable, and guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. Give them a try, and prepare for a chorus of compliments!

What are your favorite creative nacho toppings, or your go-to “surf and turf” combinations? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.