• Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add a tbsp. of vegetable oil to skillet. When oil is hot, crumble ground chuck into skillet. Cook until meat browned, then drain meat. Add cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, crushed red pepper, black pepper, bay leaf and water. Stir together until everything is completely mixed. Bring to a simmer, cover and reduce heat to medium low. Let simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In a small saucepan, over medium low heat, heat a tbsp. of vegetable oil. Add refried beans and a tbsp. of of water. Bring to a light simmer and stir, adding water until desired consistency is reached.
• To build nachos, layer a generous amount of chips on a sheet pan, skillet or large plate. Add half of the refried beans over the chips, then add half of the meat mixture over the beans. Add another layer of chips, then repeat with the bean and meat mixture. top with cheese sauce, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole and optional sour cream. Serve immediately.

Cheese Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, heat butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth and cream. Add heavy cream, whisking as you add. Stir in paprika, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, and let simmer for minutes.
• Add shredded cheese and whisk until creamy. Serve immediately.

Guacamole

• Cut avocados in half, lengthwise and remove the pit. Scoop out the meat and add to a bowl.
• Add the onion, cilantro and sea salt. Using a potato masher or a large spoon, and mix until you start to see no lumps. Add lime juice and continue to mix until desired consistency is reached.
• This can also be done using a food processor by adding all ingredients and pulsing twice.

Pico De Gallo

• In a small bowl, mix diced tomatoes, yellow onion, cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate overnight.

Fried Tortilla Chips

• In a large pot, heat 3 inches of vegetable oil until a temperature of 365 is reached.
• Add tortilla slices in batches. Cook until chips start to brown. This should only take approximately 1 - 2 minutes.