Sheet Pan Carne Asada Nachos & Roasted Corn Black-Bean Salad

This meal is the perfect combination of bold flavors, crispy textures, and fresh ingredients—making it a fun, shareable feast for family and friends!

These sheet pan nachos combine crunchy tortilla chips, juicy carne asada, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty toppings for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish. Pairing them with a roasted corn and black bean salad adds a refreshing contrast of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy notes. Plus, both dishes are easy to prepare, customizable, and great for casual gatherings or game nights.

Sheet Pan Carne Asada Nachos & Roasted Corn Black-Bean Salad

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Preparing the Carne Adada

Carne asada is traditionally made with thin, flavorful cuts of beef that can be marinated and grilled over high heat. While I used a flat iron steak, here are other great cuts for carne asada:

Best Cuts for Carne Asada:

1. Skirt Steak - The most traditional choice. It is known for its rich flavor and loose grain, which absorbs marinades well.

2. Flank Steak – Leaner than skirt steak but still very flavorful with a great texture.

3. Flat Iron Steak – A tender and well-marbled cut that grills beautifully (my choice for this recipe!).

4. Chuck Steak – More affordable, slightly tougher, but becomes flavorful when marinated properly. Best with excess fat removed.

5. Sirloin Steak – A leaner option with good beefy flavor, best when thinly sliced.

6. Ribeye Steak – A more indulgent option with extra marbling for juiciness.

7. Top Round Steak – A budget-friendly cut that benefits from a strong marinade.

These cuts work well for carne asada, but the key is marinating properly and slicing against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Carne Asada recipe using flat iron steak.

Carne Asada Marinade

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice

• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice

• 1/4 cup avocado oil

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon sea or kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2. Place the flat iron steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's well coated.

3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor.

4. Remove steak from marinade, pat dry, and grill or sear over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

5. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

This marinade will give your flat iron steak a rich, smoky, and tangy flavor perfect for nachos, tacos, burritos, or simply enjoying on its own!

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Roasted Corn Black-Bean Salad

Roasted Corn Black-Bean Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ to 2 cups corn (fresh or frozen)

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ½ cup queso fresco or feta, crumbled

• 1 scallion, finely chopped

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 jalapeño, finely diced

• Juice of 1 lime

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• Kosher or sea salt, to taste

• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Pan roast the corn – Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool. (If corn on the cob was used, slice the kernels from the cob)

2. Mix the Salad: Combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl and toss until well coated. 

3. Serve – Enjoy chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, taco topping, or dip with tortilla chips!

Tip: Add a sprinkle of chili powder or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor!

Black Bean Roasted Corn Salad Recipe

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Let’s Assemble our Sheet Pan Carne Asada Nachos

Ingredients:

• 1 large bag of restaurant-style tortilla chips (these are crispier and hold up better for nachos.)

• 1 ½ to 2 cups cooked carne asada, chopped

• 1 cup pinto beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1-2 jalapeños, sliced

• ½ white onion, finely diced

• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and chopped cilantro.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F

2. Layer the Chips – Spread tortilla chips evenly on a large sheet pan lined with foil or parchment paper.

3. Add Toppings – Evenly distribute pinto beans, carne asada, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and white onions over the chips.

4. Bake – Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.

5. Garnish & Serve – Remove from the oven and add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or cilantro. Serve immediately!

Tip: For extra crispy chips, bake them alone for 5 minutes before adding toppings!

Carne Asada Nachos