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Ingredients
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Base
Meat (choose beef or chicken)
Cheese & Toppings
Method
Base
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, leaving some gaps so cheese can melt down between chips.
Meat (choose beef or chicken)
Prepare aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook beef option
If using ground beef: add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Cook chicken option
If using diced chicken: add the 1 lb diced chicken to the skillet and cook until no longer pink and lightly golden, about 6–8 minutes.
Season and simmer
Stir in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Mix in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 cup water, scraping up any browned bits. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until slightly thickened, about 4–6 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
Assemble & Bake
Scatter the drained black beans evenly over the chips. Spoon the cooked meat mixture evenly over the chips and beans so all areas get some meat.
Combine the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and sprinkle evenly across the top so most chips are covered.
Place the baking sheet or oven-safe platter in the preheated oven and bake until cheese is fully melted and bubbling, about 6–8 minutes. For a browner top, switch to broil on high for 1–2 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
Finish & Serve
Add dollops of sour cream and spoonfuls of guacamole or place sliced avocado over the top. Serve salsa and lime wedges on the side for squeezing and dipping.
Serve hot: transfer to the table and let diners help themselves. Leftovers can be stored separately (chips will get soggy). Reheat meat and cheese in a skillet or oven and assemble fresh toppings before serving again.