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Carnitas Loaded Nachos

Indulge in a fiesta of flavors with these irresistible Carnitas Loaded Nachos! Crispy, succulent carnitas take center stage atop a bed of crunchy tortilla chips, generously smothered in creamy queso and topped with vibrant pico de gallo. But it doesn’t stop there; a drizzle of tangy avocado ranch sauce adds the perfect finishing touch, elevating this classic snack to a whole new level of culinary delight. Get ready to wow your taste buds with every satisfying bite!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Keyword: appetizers, carnitas, nachos
Servings: 8 people
Author: kingcooks

Equipment

  • instant pot

Ingredients

Carnitas

  • 4-5 lbs pork butt boneless cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 2 cups lard I used rendered pork fat
  • 2 cups Coca Cola
  • 1/2 half a large orange
  • 1/2 half a large onion
  • 8 garlic cloves
  • 1 1/2 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp oregano optional
  • 2 bay leaves optional

Avocado Ranch

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk or whole milk
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 whole avocado peeled and pitted
  • 2 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Pinch de gallo

  • 1 cup tomatoes diced
  • 3/4 cup onions diced
  • 1 jalapeño diced removed seeds to control heat
  • 2 tbsp cilantro diced
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Simple Queso

  • 4 oz velveeta cheese
  • 2 cups heavy cream

Other Ingredients

  • 1 bag of tortilla chips

Garnish

  • Cilantro

Instructions

Avocado Ranch

  • In a food processor or blender, add all the ingredients listed under “Avocado Ranch” and blend until smooth.
  • Place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Pico De Gallo

  • In a bowl, add all ingredients listed under “Pico De Gallo” and mix until full combined and set aside until ready to serve.

Simple Queso

  • In a sauce pan over low heat or a crockpot, add in all ingredients listed under “Simple Queso” and stir until smooth. Continuously stirring is key to get a smooth Queso.

Carnitas - Instant Pot

  • Add all ingredients listed under “Carnitas” and stir to combine.
  • Cover and select meat/stew, high pressure and set timer to 25 minute.
  • Once timer is up, allow for pressure to naturally release.
  • *CAUTION* Be careful doing the quick release by opening the vent. Like any pressure cooker, the steam is extremely HOT and can cause injury or damage.
  • Transfer some of the cooked pork to a pan over medium heat with some of the broth from the instant pot.
  • Once the meat is crispy and golden brown; remove and set aside until ready to serve.

Assemble

  • Lay down a good layer of tortilla chips, followed by the crispy carnitas, queso, pico de gallo, and finally the avocado ranch.
  • Garish with more cilantro.
  • Enjoy!

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