🚨 Say goodbye to boring nachos forever! 🚨 In this mouthwatering episode of Dinner DeeAs, we’re setting sail with the legendary yacht chef Rachel Hargrove, star of Bravo’s Below Deck. With two decades of culinary mastery under her belt, Chef Rachel is docking her expertise on dry land to share her Not Your Normal Nachos—a game-changing recipe that’ll make you rethink leftovers. But here’s where it gets controversial: her secret weapon isn’t just the ingredients—it’s the technique. Spoiler alert: soggy chips are a thing of the past. And this is the part most people miss: her Instant Pot Pulled Pork is a versatile masterpiece that’ll have you dreaming of tacos, rice bowls, and more. Ready to dive in? Let’s go!
Download the printable recipes here and get cooking: Not Your Normal Nachos & Instant Pot Pulled Pork.
Inside the Recipe: The Magic Unveiled
Instant Pot Pulled Pork: Ever wondered how to achieve fall-apart carnitas without the all-day wait? Chef Rachel’s custom spice rub (smoked paprika, cumin, chipotle) and agave-beef broth base create what she calls liquid gold. Bold claim? Try it and decide for yourself.
2-Minute Salsa Verde: Peeling tomatillos can be a sticky nightmare—until Chef Rachel reveals her soak-and-rinse trick. Plus, her food processor method turns fresh ingredients into tangy perfection in seconds.
The "Cheese Glue" Technique: Here’s the game-changer—mixing cheese, beans, and meat before baking ensures every chip is coated in gooey, flavorful perfection. No more sad, soggy bites. But is this the only way? Weigh in below—do you have a better nacho strategy?
Chef Rachel’s Pro Tips: Elevate Your Game
- Versatile Proteins: One batch of pulled pork, endless possibilities. Freeze it for weeknight wins or repurpose it into tacos or rice bowls.
- Aromatic Aromas: Deglazing the Instant Pot with meat juices isn’t just a step—it’s the secret to deep, smoky flavor. Skip it, and you’ll miss out.
- The Perfect Accouterments: Cotija cheese, fresh avocado, and homemade salsa aren’t just toppings—they’re the final flourish that turns nachos into art.
Recipes to Drool Over
Chef Rachel’s Instant Pot Pulled Pork
Ingredients: Pork shoulder, spices galore, agave syrup, chipotle peppers, and more.
Directions: From spice rubs to pressure cooking, every step is a flavor explosion. Pro tip: Don’t skip the natural release—it’s worth the wait.
Chef Rachel’s Salsa Verde
Ingredients: Tomatillos, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime.
Directions: Soak, simmer, pulse, and chill. It’s fresher than store-bought and easier than you think.
Chef Rachel’s "Not Your Normal" Nachos
Ingredients: Tortilla chips, Mexican cheese blend, black beans, and a fiesta of toppings.
Directions: The "cheese glue" method ensures every bite is a masterpiece. Bake, top, and serve—it’s nacho night, elevated.
Connect & Cook with Us
- Travel with Chef Rachel: Join her culinary adventures in Bali (link) or Sicily (link).
- Share Your Creations: Email us your nacho pics at DinnerDeeAs@fox.com or tag us on Instagram @DinnerDeeAs.
- Watch & Learn: Catch Dinner DeeAs weekdays at 1 PM on Fox 13 Tampa Bay or 7 AM on FOX 35 Plus in Orlando.
Final Thought: Nachos are more than a snack—they’re a canvas. Chef Rachel’s recipes prove that with a little creativity (and cheese glue), you can turn the ordinary into extraordinary. But here’s the question: What’s your nacho non-negotiable? Crunchy chips? Extra jalapeños? Let us know in the comments—we’re here to debate (and drool) together!
