Nachos are great. But greasy chips, mystery cheese, and a total crash afterward? Not so much. These Sicilian Nachos flip the script with toasted baguette slices, lean beef, and our flavor-loaded Sturdy Marinara, aka the sauce that’s doing more than just sitting there.
You get bold Italian flavor, melty mozzarella, and a protein punch in every bite. And with around only 300 calories and 23g of protein per serving, they’re snackable and satisfying. Craving comfort food that doesn’t wreck your day? You just found it.
What You’ll Need
For the Crostini Base:
- 1 French baguette, sliced into 1/4-inch pieces
- Olive oil, for brushing
- 2 garlic cloves, halved
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1/2 cups Sturdy Marinara Sauce
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small carrot, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine or beef broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil or 2 teaspoons dried basil
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange baguette slices on a baking sheet. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Bake for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. While still warm, rub each slice with a cut garlic clove. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Add onion, carrot, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour in wine or broth and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add Sturdy Marinara, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and basil. Simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves.
- Reduce your oven to 375°F. Arrange crostini on a baking sheet. Spoon meat sauce over each slice. Top with shredded mozzarella. Bake for 5–7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil. Serve warm and enjoy.
Snap It. Tag It. Brag It.
Made these Sicilian Nachos disappear in five minutes flat? Same. But first, pics or it didn’t happen. Tag your tray with #SturdyNachos so we can give you the internet applause you deserve.
P.S. Our Sturdy Marinara Sauce is flying off the shelves because flavor this bold doesn’t ever stay in stock long. If you haven’t grabbed a jar yet, now’s the time. Don’t be the one stuck with bland sauce regrets.