Description
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
