Italian Nachos

These quick Italian Nachos are loaded with three kinds of cheese, spaghetti sauce, and bright, puckery olives and banana peppers. Made in less than 30 minutes, these nachos are a great weeknight meal or appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 15 oz. Parmesan garlic pita chips  
• 4 oz. shredded Italian cheese blend  
• 1 ½ cups leftover spaghetti sauce with ground beef  
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced  
• ½ cup assorted marinated vegetables (banana peppers, peppadew peppers, green and black olives)  
• Fresh basil, chopped  
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, optional

Cooking:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  
2. Line a half-sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. Spread the chips evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the Italian cheese blend, then bake for 6-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.  
3. Remove the pan from the oven, then dollop with spaghetti sauce, and top with rounds of fresh mozzarella and pickled vegetables. Return to the oven and bake for another 6 minutes, then turn the oven off and the broiler on. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.  
4. Top with fresh basil and shredded Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Safe Handling Tips:

• Wash hands with soap and water before cooking and always after touching raw meat. 
• Separate raw meat from other foods. 
• Wash all cutting boards, utensils, and dishes after touching raw meat. 
• Do not reuse marinades used on raw foods. 
• Wash all produce prior to use. 
• Cook steaks and roasts until temperature reaches 145°F for medium rare, as measured by a meat thermometer, allowing to rest for three minutes. Cook Ground Beef to 160°F as measured by a meat thermometer. 
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly. 

For more information on degree of doneness and other cooking tips. 

For more information on safe food handling and beef safety.