Ingredients
The Foundation:
- 1 bag (12-14 oz) thick stone-ground tortilla chips
- 3 cups freshly grated cheese (sharp cheddar + Monterey Jack)
The Protein:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (85/15)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp water
The Layers:
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen thawed, or canned drained)
- ½ cup red onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup pickled jalapeños
Fresh Finish (Post-Bake):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream or crema
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line 18×13 rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange tortilla chips in even overlapping layer covering entire pan.
Step 2: Brown the Beef Medium-high skillet: brown 1 lb ground beef 5-7 minutes, drain excess fat (leave 1 tsp). Add taco seasoning + 2 tbsp water, simmer 2 minutes until saucy.
Step 3: Strategic Layering
- Sprinkle 1½ cups grated cheese directly on bare chips (cheese barrier)
- Spoon seasoned beef evenly across chips
- Scatter black beans, corn, red onion
- Top with remaining 1½ cups cheese
Step 4: Bake Bake 10-12 minutes until cheese bubbles and chip edges turn golden. Watch for perfect melt!
Step 5: Fresh Toppings Immediately add pickled jalapeños, cilantro, sour cream dollops, pico de gallo. Serve hot!
Notes
💡 Pro Tip: Freshly grate cheese – pre-shredded contains cellulose that prevents proper melting⚠️ Avoid Soggy: NEVER add wet toppings (salsa, guac) before baking🔥 Make Ahead: Cook beef + grate cheese 3 days ahead, assemble fresh❄️ Storage: Deconstruct leftovers (chips separate), reheat 350°F 3-5 min🥗 Healthy Swap: Ground turkey + zucchini rounds for low-carb
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Family Dinner, Game Day
- Method: Oven-Baked, Sheet Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Mexican, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten-containing, High-Protein