Ingredients
- Queso:
- 2 cups silken tofu
- 1 (15 ounce) can sliced carrots, drained
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons oil, or more as needed
- 1 (12 ounce) package vegetarian beef crumbles
- 1 (13 ounce) package tortilla chips
Why You'll Want This Again
Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor—all without any dairy. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food while keeping it plant-based and nutritious. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a satisfying snack.
Cooking Secrets
- Use soaked cashews for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or smoked paprika.
- Warm the sauce gently to avoid curdling or separating.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or smoked paprika.
- Warm the sauce gently to avoid curdling or separating.
Step 1
Tos the tofu, carrots, taco seasoning, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and garlic powder into a blender or food processor. Blend everything together until it’s super smooth and creamy.
Step 2
Pour the queso mixture into a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s nice and hot—about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 3
While the queso is heating up, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the vegetarian crumbles and cook them, stirring often, until they’re browned and cooked through, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes.
Step 4
To serve, spread out some tortilla chips on plates, then pile on the browned crumbles and drizzle with the warm queso. Enjoy!
How To Enjoy This Dish
Serve with fresh salsa, guacamole, or chopped cilantro for added brightness. A squeeze of lime juice on top can also enhance the flavors. Pair with a crisp salad or your favorite plant-based protein for a complete meal.
Storage Advice
Store leftover queso sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring often. Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, as chips can become soggy if stored with the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular tofu instead of silken tofu?
Silken tofu works best for a creamy texture, but you can use soft tofu if silken is unavailable. Firm tofu will be too thick and less smooth.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover queso and cooked crumbles separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tortilla chips and ensure the taco seasoning and vegetarian crumbles are gluten-free.
What can I substitute for the carrots?
You can try canned pumpkin or sweet potato puree for a similar texture and sweetness.
Is nutritional yeast necessary?
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, but you can omit it if you don’t have it. The queso will be less cheesy but still tasty.
Can I prepare the queso ahead of time?
Yes, you can blend and cook the queso in advance. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
What other toppings can I add?
Fresh salsa, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or chopped cilantro work well as additional toppings.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level depends on the taco seasoning used; choose mild or hot seasoning to adjust the heat to your preference.
