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Tex-Mex Skillet Bake with Tortilla Crunch

Prep 10 min Cook 20 min Difficulty 2/5

Easy Tex-Mex skillet bake with tortilla crunch, beans, corn, and pepper jack cheese.

Why this recipe works

This Tex‑Mex Skillet Bake combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a crunchy tortilla chip base for a comforting, one-dish meal. It suits busy families, meal-preppers, and anyone craving bold, cheesy flavors.

Search intent: tex-mex skillet bake recipe
  • tex-mex skillet bake
  • tortilla chip bake
  • beef and bean skillet
  • 30 minute dinner
  • easy Mexican dinner
  • one pan meal
  • pepper jack cheese bake
  • ground beef recipes

Key takeaways

One-pan main course with a crisp tortilla base.
Flexible fillings: swap veggies or beans as desired.
Comforting, quick bake—ready in about 30 minutes.

Recipe guide

This Tex‑Mex Skillet Bake combines seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a crunchy tortilla chip base for a comforting, one-dish meal. It suits busy families, meal-preppers, and anyone craving bold, cheesy flavors.

A comforting, quick one-pan dinner with a satisfying tortilla crust.

  • One-pan main course with a crisp tortilla base.
  • Flexible fillings: swap veggies or beans as desired.
  • Comforting, quick bake—ready in about 30 minutes.

Overview

A hearty, crowd-pleasing Tex-Mex skillet bake featuring seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and a crunchy tortilla chip base. Ideal for weeknight dinners and potlucks.

How to make it

1) Brown beef, add peppers and onion. 2) Stir in taco seasoning, beans, corn, and salsa; simmer. 3) Layer crushed tortilla chips in a baking dish, top with beef mixture and pepper jack. 4) Bake until bubbly; finish with sour cream, cilantro, and green onions.

Serving and tips

Let rest briefly after baking. Serve with extra salsa or pico de gallo. For lighter options, substitute turkey and reduced-fat cheese.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small red bell pepper diced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup frozen corn thawed
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 3 cups crushed tortilla chips
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 2 green onions sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up as it cooks; drain fat.
  3. Add diced bell pepper and chopped onion to the beef and cook until softened.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning, canned black beans, corn, and salsa; simmer 3–4 minutes.
  5. Spread crushed tortilla chips across the bottom of a 9x7-inch baking dish.
  6. Spoon the beef and bean mixture over the chips and sprinkle with shredded pepper jack.
  7. Whisk sour cream with a splash of milk to thin slightly and dollop or drizzle over the cheese layer.
  8. Bake until cheese is bubbly and edges are crisp, about 12–15 minutes; garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead? Yes. Assemble without baking, refrigerate up to 1 day, then bake.
Can I use fresh corn? Yes, you can substitute 1 cup cooked fresh corn or frozen corn thawed.
What can I serve with it? Serve with a simple salad or Mexican rice for a fuller meal.