Macho Nachos

1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb spicy/hot bulk sausage
1 teaspoon ground cumin
3 teaspoon brown sugar
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (10oz)
2 cups canned refried beans
4 cups mexican style cheddar jack cheese
1 13 oz bags tortilla chips
Optional - sliced black olives, finely sliced jalapeno chilies and finely chopped raw onion to taste

In a deep skillet brown and crumble ground beef and sausage breaking and blending meats until fully cooked. Add cumin, brown sugar and diced tomatoes stirring well and simmer until moisture has evaporated. Remove contents from pan with slotted spoon and drain in bowl lined with several layers of paper towel. Use more if necessary to blot excess grease. In a bowl blend together refried beans and 1 cup of shredded jack cheese. Layer chips on a large serving platter or 9 x 13" baking dish. Spread quarter of refried bean mixture over chips evenly. Scatter quarter of beef mixture over beans and top with layer of cheese, add option of olives/onions then repeat with remaining chips, beans, beef, cheese, olives and onions. Place in 400 degree oven to bake until cheese is melted and beginning to brown. Serve with salsa and sour cream - Enjoy the Super Bowl - May your Team Win !! (The only thing wrong with the recipe is that you have to eat it all, or the chips go sogging. But it usually isn't a problem, since you can't stop eating it anyway!)
Toniann Staheli/ABC 4