Crunchy Tex-Mex is the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. It’s a crowd-pleaser, thanks to its crunchy base, zesty seasoning, and melty cheese. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—go vegetarian, add extra spice, or include your favorite toppings. Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner or a potluck favorite, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and full of personality.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef or ground turkey
Olive oil
Onion
Garlic
Taco seasoning
Black beans (drained and rinsed)
Corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
Diced tomatoes or salsa
Tortilla chips or crispy taco shells
Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
Lettuce (shredded)
Sour cream (optional)
Jalapeños (optional)
Fresh cilantro (optional)
Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onion until softened.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Add taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes or salsa. Stir well and simmer for 5–7 minutes until everything is heated through.
On a large serving platter or individual plates, layer tortilla chips or crushed taco shells.
Spoon the meat and bean mixture over the chips.
Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese and let it melt slightly from the heat of the mixture, or place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes for extra melt.
Top with shredded lettuce, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro if desired.
Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or meat substitutes.
Chicken Tex-Mex: Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground meat.
Spicy Kick: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or hot sauce to the mix.
Tex-Mex Bowl: Serve over rice or quinoa instead of chips for a hearty grain bowl.
Casserole Style: Layer everything in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until bubbly.
Storage/Reheating
Store the meat and bean mixture separately from the chips to maintain crunch. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat the filling in a skillet or microwave until hot. Add fresh chips and toppings just before serving.
If assembled and stored together, the dish will lose its crunch but can still be enjoyed as a flavorful layered bowl or salad.
FAQs
What makes this dish “Tex-Mex”?
Tex-Mex refers to the fusion of Texan and Mexican cuisine, typically featuring bold spices, beans, cheese, and tortillas. This recipe combines all of those elements in a crunchy, satisfying dish.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your taco seasoning and tortilla chips are labeled gluten-free.
How do I keep the chips crunchy?
Assemble just before serving and keep the meat mixture warm but separate until ready to build the dish.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can prepare all components in advance and store them separately. Assemble and heat when ready to serve.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely. You can adjust the spice level to taste and let kids customize their toppings.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend all melt well and complement the flavors perfectly.
Can I freeze this recipe?
You can freeze the cooked meat and bean mixture, but not the assembled dish with chips. Thaw and reheat the filling, then add fresh chips and toppings.
What can I use instead of tortilla chips?
Try crispy tostadas, baked pita chips, or crushed taco shells. For a low-carb option, serve over lettuce or in bell pepper boats.
How do I add more vegetables?
Mix in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach with the meat, or top with avocado, tomatoes, and red onion.
Can I serve this as a salad?
Yes. Use the meat mixture as a topping over romaine or mixed greens, then add cheese, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or dressing.
Conclusion
Crunchy Tex-Mex is a lively, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make, fun to eat, and endlessly versatile. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a party favorite, it brings bold spices and satisfying textures to the table. Keep it simple or pile on your favorite toppings—either way, it’s a guaranteed hit that you’ll want to make again and again.
Crunchy Tex-Mex is a bold, flavor-packed dish combining seasoned meat, beans, veggies, and melty cheese over a crispy base of tortilla chips. It’s quick to make, highly customizable, and perfect for a fun, satisfying meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 cup diced tomatoes or salsa
4 cups tortilla chips or crushed crispy taco shells
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
1/4 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes or salsa. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.
On a large serving platter or individual plates, layer tortilla chips or crushed taco shells.
Spoon the meat and bean mixture over the chips.
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and let it melt slightly from the heat, or broil for 1–2 minutes if desired.
Top with shredded lettuce, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro if using.
Serve immediately for maximum crunch.
Notes
Assemble the dish just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the chips.Store filling and chips separately if preparing ahead of time.Customize with toppings like avocado, red onion, or hot sauce.Turn it into a casserole by layering and baking at 375°F for 15–20 minutes.
