A quick Tex-Mex tray featuring crispy chips, melted cheese, seasoned beef, and fresh toppings baked in one pan.
# Ingredient List:
→ Protein
01 - 8.8 oz ground beef (or ground turkey or plant-based mince)
→ Spices
02 - 1 tsp chili powder
03 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
04 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
05 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
06 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Base
09 - 7 oz tortilla chips (about 1 large bag)
→ Cheese
10 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
→ Toppings
12 - 1 medium tomato, diced
13 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
15 - 1/4 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
16 - 1/4 cup canned sweet corn, drained
17 - 2 tbsp sliced black olives (optional)
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
→ To Serve
19 - Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to facilitate clean-up.
02 - In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
04 - Spread tortilla chips evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Layer cooked beef mixture over chips, then sprinkle black beans and sweet corn evenly on top.
05 - Scatter shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the assembled ingredients.
06 - Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
07 - Remove from oven and immediately garnish with diced tomato, finely chopped red onion, jalapeño slices (if using), sliced black olives (if using), and chopped cilantro.
08 - Serve hot alongside sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.
