Save A crowd-pleasing platter of crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings—perfect for sharing at parties or game nights.
This recipe quickly became a favorite at my family gatherings for its simplicity and bold flavors.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 1 tsp
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Salt: ½ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Water: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Tortilla chips: 10 oz (280 g) sturdy
- Cheese: 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- Black beans: 1 cup (150 g) canned, drained and rinsed
- Tomato: 1 medium, diced
- Pickled jalapeño slices: ½ cup (60 g)
- Black olives (optional): ½ cup (60 g) sliced
- Sour cream: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup (10 g), chopped
- Avocado (optional): 1 medium, diced
- Green onions: 2, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Cook beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned about 5 minutes.
- Sauté veggies:
- Add the diced onion and garlic sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Season:
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add water and simmer for 3-4 minutes until most of the liquid has evaporated. Remove from heat.
- Arrange chips:
- Spread the tortilla chips evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
- Add toppings:
- Spoon the seasoned beef evenly over the chips. Sprinkle black beans, then cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Top:
- Remove from the oven and immediately top with diced tomato, jalapeños, olives, green onions, cilantro, and avocado (if using).
- Serve:
- Drizzle with sour cream or serve it on the side. Serve hot, directly from the pan.
Save This dish is a favorite at family game nights, bringing everyone together over shared plates and laughter.
Required Tools
Large sheet pan, skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula are essential for ease and efficiency.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream; be mindful of gluten in wheat-based chips and avoid if allergic to avocado or legumes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 465 calories, 27 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein.
Save Feel free to customize toppings to suit your taste, and enjoy an easy, crowd-pleasing meal.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of beef works best for this dish?
Use ground beef with around 80/20 fat ratio to keep it juicy and flavorful while cooking evenly.
- → Can I substitute the ground beef with a vegetarian option?
Yes, plant-based crumbles or ground turkey can be used as alternatives to suit dietary preferences.
- → How do I prevent the chips from becoming soggy?
Layer the chips first and bake quickly so the cheese melts while maintaining chip crispness. Avoid adding wet toppings before baking.
- → What are good topping options for extra flavor?
Try diced tomatoes, pickled jalapeños, black olives, green onions, cilantro, and avocado for a fresh and vibrant finish.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Light beverages like crisp lager or a tangy margarita complement the bold flavors nicely.