Nachos

Christmas Eve is definitely the time for a quick and easy dinner.  Hubby worked today and I wasn't entirely sure what time he would be home, so I wanted something that I could throw together without too much effort but that was warm and filling - it's done nothing but pour with rain for the last 3 or 4 days so we're all feeling decidedly damp at the moment, and who doesn't like nachos?  As usual I made a huge batch, and froze the remainder of the beef mixture in a couple of servings each for other times.

Nachos

1 kg ground beef
1 (430ml) jar of salsa
1 (127ml) can of chopped green chillies
a couple of splashes of Tabasco sauce
pinch of salt and pepper
bag of your favourite tortilla chips
grated cheese (I cheated and bought a pre-grated Taco/Nacho blend)
sour cream (to serve)

• in a large skillet over medium to high heat, fry the ground beef until no longer pink.
• add the salsa, green chillies and Tabasco sauce; mix together.
• turn heat down slightly and simmer for 10-15 minutes until liquid has reduced; taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, add more Tabasco if desired.
• on a large plate arrange a layer of tortilla chips.
• top with a couple of large spoonfuls of the beef mixture, followed by some grated cheese (to own personal preference).
• follow with another tortilla, beef and cheese layer.
• microwave the nachos in the microwave for a couple of minutes to melt the cheese and enjoy :)

 Nachos ingredients

even if you use extra lean ground beef (like I did) you won't need any extra oil, you'll get enough from the beef.

add the salsa and green chillies once the beef is no longer pink.

simmer for about 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid and thicken; it will also darken slightly.

start with a layer of tortilla chips on the plate.

add a layer of the beef mixture.

then some grated cheese.

carry on making as many layers as you want (we just had two of everything)

pop in a microwave for a couple of minutes just to melt the cheese.

finally grab a big serving in a bowl, have lots of napkins on hand, and enjoy!! :o)