If you love chilli and nachos, then you are going to absolutely adore this Chilli Nacho Pie! Imagine the hearty, savory goodness of chilli topped with crispy tortilla chips and gooey cheese. It’s a fun and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, movie nights, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The best part? It’s super easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings! Trust me, this recipe will be your new go-to for a spicy, cheesy delight.
Method
1. Fry the Veggies
Start by heating a frying pan with a light spray of Frylight. Add the chopped red onion and red pepper to the pan, cooking them over medium heat until they become soft and golden brown. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the vegetables don’t burn or stick to the pan. The goal is to soften the veggies while bringing out their natural sweetness and flavor, which will provide a solid base for the dish.
2. Cook the Beef
Once the veggies are softened, it’s time to add the 500g of lean 5% fat beef mince. Stir the beef into the pan, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Continue to cook the beef until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through this should take about 5-7 minutes. After the beef is cooked, add 1 tsp of garlic and 1 tbsp of tomato purée. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the garlic and tomato purée to release their flavors and blend into the meat.
3. Simmer the Mixture
Now, it’s time to add the rich, flavorful liquids and spices. Pour in 1 tin of chopped tomatoes and 100g of passata. Sprinkle in 1 tbsp each of cumin powder and chilli powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything well to combine. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. This simmering process allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a deep and satisfying chili base. Make sure to stir occasionally and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Prepare the Pie
After the chilli mixture has simmered and the flavors have melded together, it’s time to transfer the mixture to an oven-proof dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom. Once that’s done, it’s time to add the fun part topping it with crispy tortilla chips and gooey cheese! First, sprinkle 80g of lightly salted tortilla chips over the top, covering the chilli mixture as much as possible. Then, grate 80g of cheese (I used a mix of 50g reduced-fat cheese and 30g mozzarella) and sprinkle it generously over the chips.
5. Grill the Pie
Preheat your grill and place the pie under it for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and turns golden brown. Keep a close eye on it as cheese can melt quickly and you don’t want it to burn. The tortilla chips should also crisp up nicely under the grill, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
6. Serve it Up
Once the pie is perfectly golden and crispy, remove it from the grill. Let it cool for a couple of minutes before serving. For the perfect finishing touch, I recommend adding some tasty toppings. I added 120g of creamy avocado and 100g of green-style yogurt for extra flavor and creaminess, but you can also top it with sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro. Serve it up as is, or pair it with a side of rice for a more filling meal.
Necessary Tools
- Frying pan (for cooking the beef and veggies)
- Oven-proof dish (for baking the pie)
- Grater (for the cheese)
- Can opener (for the beans and tomatoes)
- Grill or oven (for crisping the chips and melting the cheese)
- Stirring spoon
Chilli Nacho Pie: A Flavorful Twist on Your Favorite Comfort Dish!
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy5
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
1 red onion (or brown onion)
1 red pepper
500g lean 5% fat beef mince
1 tsp garlic
1 tbsp tomato purée
1 tin of tomatoes
100g passata
1 tbsp cumin powder
1 tbsp chilli powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tins of mixed beans (drained)
80g lightly salted tortilla chips
80g cheese (I used 50g reduced-fat cheese and 30g mozzarella)
Directions
- Fry the Veggies Start by frying the red onion and red pepper in a little Frylight spray until softened and golden.
- Cook the Beef Add in the beef mince and cook it until it’s browned. Once done, stir in the garlic and tomato purée, letting everything cook for a couple more minutes.
- Simmer Add the tinned tomatoes, passata, cumin powder, chilli powder, salt, pepper, and mixed beans. Let it all simmer together for about 20 minutes until the flavors blend.
- Prepare the Pie Transfer the chilli mixture into an oven-proof dish. Then, top with your tortilla chips and cheese. Pop it under the grill for a few minutes, just until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve it Up When it’s out of the grill, serve it with your favorite toppings. I added 120g of creamy avocado and 100g of green-style yogurt – trust me, it works!
Notes
- Avoid Overcooking the Beef When you cook the beef, make sure it’s browned but not overdone. Overcooked beef can get tough, and we want it nice and tender.
- Don’t Skip the Simmering Let the chilli mixture simmer for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to develop and blend together, making it extra delicious.
- Grill Time Keep an eye on the pie while it’s under the grill! Cheese melts quickly, and we want it perfectly golden, not burnt.
Serving Suggestions
This Chilli Nacho Pie pairs beautifully with some rice on the side, but you can also serve it with a fresh salad or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. If you want to kick it up a notch, top it off with some sliced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce!
Fun Fact
Did you know that nachos were created by accident? In 1943, a maître d’ in Mexico served some leftover tortillas to a group of American soldiers. He topped them with cheese and jalapeños, and thus, nachos were born! This dish has now become a popular snack and meal worldwide.
Conclusion
This Chilli Nacho Pie is one of those recipes that’s simple yet full of flavor. It’s a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to fun parties. The crispy tortilla chips, cheesy topping, and spicy chilli are a winning combo, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do. Whether you’re looking to feed a crowd or prep meals for the week, this dish has you covered. Give it a try and enjoy the deliciousness!
