Chips with Ground Meat and Cheese

5 servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 10 m Total: 25 m Beginner
When my children were younger we went to this restaurant that served a delicious cheese and ground meat over tortilla chips with seasoned onions and melted cheddar. The owner’s name was Elaine and I dedicate this recipe to her memory. We never made it quite as good but we have not eaten quite as good either.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground meat
  • 1 (8 oz) package shredded Mild Mexican Style Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 1/2 tsp chili powder plus 1/2 tsp (3 tsp total)
  • 2 small onions, chopped
  • Jalapeno pepper, sliced (optional)
  • Season All, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste
  • Tortilla Chips
  • Black pepper and cayenne to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. Season ground meat with Season-All, garlic powder, onion powder and 2 1/2 tsp chili powder. Brown in skillet over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until no longer pink, and drain excess grease.
  3. In a separate pan, preferably nonstick, sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until wilted, about 5 minutes, adding black pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, 1/2 tsp chili powder and season all to taste. Combine the meat and onion mixture together.
  4. On a cookie sheet, arrange a single layer of tortilla chips (you can add the optional jalapeno peppers here) and spread the meat mixture evenly over the chips. Sprinkle the cheese over the meat and chips.
  5. Bake for 5 to 8 minutes or until cheese melts and serve immediately. I like to serve it with salsa on the side.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cheese not melting evenly?

A: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F and spread the cheese evenly over the chips. If some areas have thicker layers of meat, the cheese may take longer to melt.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: The meat and onion mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, but assemble and bake just before serving so the chips stay crispy.

Tips and Techniques

For extra flavor, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat while browning. If you like it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or use hot salsa instead of mild.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • ground beef: ground turkey or ground chicken
  • Mild Mexican Style Cheddar: Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
  • tortilla chips: sturdy corn chips or homemade tortilla chips

Equipment Needed

  • large skillet
  • nonstick pan
  • cookie sheet