Ultimate Nachos

It’s football season – and this is perfect game-day food.  I’m not a huge football watcher – although I am a fair weather fan – unfortunately I don’t have anything to be a fan of – since I live in Buffalo, NY – and the Bills are not doing so hot right now.   Although, I do remember the very first Bills game that I ever watched – it was the very first time they were in the Superbowl (the one where they almost won) before they went four years in a row and lost them all! 

Needless to say, Buffalonians are a resilient bunch – and they still support their team, no matter how bad they are at the moment.  So whatever team you may be cheering on and no matter if they are winning or losing – these nachos will make you feel good.  There is a good bit of spice to them – so its the perfect kick to go with a cold beer.   Enjoy!   

Ingredients

Salsa

• 1/2 small red onion
• 1/4 packed fresh cilantro
• 1 Tbsp. lime juice
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 Tbsp. pickled jalapenos
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes, drained

Refried beans

• 1/2 cup canned refried beans
• 1/4 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
• 1 Tbsp. pickled jalapenos

Spicy Beef

• 2 tsp. vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, minced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 tsp. brown sugar
• 1 medium canned chipotle chile, plus 1 Tbsp. adobo sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tsp. lime juice

Assembly

• Tortilla chips
• 4 cups Pepper Jack cheese
• jalapeno chilies, sliced
• diced avocado
• fresh chopped cilantro

Directions

1. For the salsa: Combine onion, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno and slat in a food processor, until roughly chopped, about 5 pulses.  Add tomatoes and pulse for about two more seconds.  Drain briefly and set aside.  Wipe out processor bowl.

2. For the beans: Combine all ingredients in the food processor until smooth.  Transfer to a bowl and cover.

3. For the beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. 

4. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally until softened, about 4 minutes.  Add in the garlic and dried spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

5. Add the beef and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink – about 5 minutes. 

6. Add the tomato paste, sugar, chilie and adobo and cook for 1 minute longer. 

7. Add the water and cook over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until mixture is almost dry – about 5-7 minutes.

8.  Stir in lime juice into beef.

9. To assemble: Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the chips on a single layer on a large oven-safe platter or baking dish.  Spread half of the bean mixture over the chips, then half of the beef mixture, top with 2 cups cheese and half of jalapenos.  Repeat with another layer of chips, then beans, beef, cheese and jalapenos.  Bake until cheese is melted – about 12-14 minutes.  Top with salsa, avocado and cilantro.

Source: America’s Test Kitchen – Best-ever recipes, 2010

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