Ultimate Baked Nachos
Cheese and Bolognese Sauce

Transform standard tortilla chips into an irresistible appetizer with layers of seasoned minced beef, colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and gooey melted mozzarella.

Ingredients

• 100 g tortilla chips
• 150 g beef tenderloin
• 100 g mozzarella cheese
• 75 g bell peppers
• 60 g onion
• 7 pieces cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp paprika
• 2 g sea salt
• to taste black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• optional dried parsley

Instructions

1. 1Mince the beef

   

   Start by mincing about 150 grams of beef tenderloin on a wooden cutting board using a cleaver. If you prefer to save prep time, you can purchase pre-minced beef directly from the supermarket.

   Tip: For a different flavor profile, you can easily substitute the beef with minced pork, lamb, or chicken.
2. 2Chop the Bell Peppers

   

   Prepare about 25 grams each of three different colors of bell peppers. Dice them evenly into small pieces so they cook consistently and add a vibrant mix of colors to the sauce.

   Tip: Dicing the peppers finely ensures they blend well into the meat sauce, distributing their sweet flavor throughout.
3. 3Dice the Onion

   

   Take roughly 60 grams of onion and chop it into fine pieces. The onion will serve as the aromatic base for the bolognese sauce, so dicing it small helps it melt into the sauce during cooking.

   Tip: A sharp knife helps to chop the onion quickly and cleanly, minimizing the release of tear-inducing sulfur compounds.
4. 4Halve the Cherry Tomatoes

   

   Take 6 or 7 cherry tomatoes and carefully slice each one in half. These will add a burst of fresh acidity and juiciness to the rich meat sauce.

   Tip: Use a serrated knife if your chefs knife isnt perfectly sharp to easily slice through the tomato skins without squishing them.
5. 5Sauté the Onions

   

   Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them gently until they soften and turn slightly translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

   Tip: Keep the heat at medium and stir occasionally to ensure the onions soften without browning or burning.
6. 6Cook the minced meat

   

   Heat some olive oil in a wok and sauté the chopped onions until they turn translucent. Add the minced meat to the wok and stir-fry quickly to break it apart until loosely cooked.

   Tip: Sautéing the onions first releases their natural sweetness, providing a rich flavor base for the bolognese sauce.
7. 7Add vegetables

   

   Once the meat is mostly cooked, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the chopped three-color bell peppers into the wok. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients evenly.

   Tip: Using a mix of bell peppers adds vibrant colors and a subtle sweet crunch to the dish.
8. 8Season with salt and pepper

   

   Season the mixture with some freshly ground black pepper and about 2 grams of sea salt. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly throughout the sauce.

   Tip: You can always adjust the amount of salt to taste before serving, so it is better to start with a little and add more if needed.
9. 9Add paprika

   

   Stir in 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika for a rich color and subtle earthy flavor. Continue to cook the mixture, allowing the spices to meld with the meat and vegetables.

   Tip: If you prefer a spicy kick for your nachos, substitute the sweet paprika with chili powder.
10. 10Add Ketchup and Seasonings

    

    Add 2 tablespoons of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 2 grams of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the wok containing the beef and chopped vegetables. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined and adjusted to taste.

    Tip: Use non-spicy paprika or switch to chili powder if you prefer a spicier kick.
11. 11Arrange Tortilla Chips

    

    Spread 100 grams of nachos evenly inside an oven-safe black cast-iron skillet to form the base of the baked nachos dish.

    Tip: Arrange the chips in a slightly overlapping circle to create an even layer for the cheese and toppings.
12. 12Add First Layer of Cheese

    

    Sprinkle approximately 40 grams of mozzarella cheese evenly over the layer of tortilla chips in the skillet.

    Tip: Distribute the cheese into the crevices between the chips so they bind together nicely when melted.
13. 13Layer Bolognese Sauce

    

    Spoon the freshly cooked bolognese meat sauce evenly over the layer of melted mozzarella and tortilla chips in the skillet.

    Tip: Ensure the meat and vegetable mixture is spread out evenly so every bite gets a good portion of sauce.

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