Chi-Chis Beef Nachos Grande

Chi-Chis Beef Nachos Grande

1/2 lb. ground beef
1 tsp. chili powder (Spanish blend)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. dried minced onion
1/8 tsp. paprika
2 T. water
8 "restaurant style" corn tortilla chips
1/2 c. refried beans
1 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 c. diced onion
1 lg. red or green jalapeno

On the Side:
sour cream
guacamole
salsa

Preheat the oven to 375.

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over med. heat. Use a spatula or
fork to crumble the beef into small pieces as it cooks. When you no
longer see pink in the meat, drain off the fat.

To the meat, add the chili powder, salt, dried onion, paprika, and
water. Simmer over med-low heat for 10 mins.

If you are going to prepare your own tortilla chips, do that
following the instructions in "Tidbits" while the meat is simmering.

Heat the refried beans in a small saucespan over low hea,t or in the
microwave for about 2 mins.

Mix the 2 cheeses together in a small bowl.

Arrange the tortilla chips on a baking sheet or an oven-safe ceramic
plate. Spread about 1 T. of refried beans on each chip.

Sprinkle 2 T. of spiced beef onto the beans on each chip. Press down
on the beef to make a flat surface for the cheese.

Carefully pile a small handful of cheese on each chip.

Sprinkle a pinch of the diced onion over the cheese.

Place a slice of jalapeno on top of the onion.

Bake the chips for 8-10 mins., or until the cheese has melted. Serve
with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on the side.