Texas Straw Hat Nachos

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2/3 cup chopped celery
• 2/3 cup chopped green pepper
• 3 tablespoons of fat (vegetable shortening)
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 or 3 teaspoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 (6 ounce) cans tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 2 teaspoons worcestershire sauce
• dash (or more) tabasco sauce
• tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• refried beans

In a large skillet, cooks onions, celery and green peppers until tender, but not brown. Add ground beef and brown slightly. Add remainder of ingredients, except chips, cheese and refried beans. Simmer uncovered for 1 hour; stirring occasionally.

Spread a thin (or thick) layer of refried beans onto the tortilla chips. Arrange on a platter. Top the chips with the meaty sauce mixture and then top the mixture with the cheddar cheese.