During a vibrant and unforgettable journey through the bustling streets and lively food markets of the American Southwest, I encountered a dish that was as bold and colorful as the region itself – Chips Chili Cheese. This culinary delight brings together the rich, savory flavors of seasoned ground beef and the creamy, indulgent texture of warm cheese sauce, all generously ladled over crisp, golden chips. The combination is irresistible: the heat from the chili spices perfectly counterbalances the smooth, velvety cheese, creating a harmony of flavors that dance across the palate.
Inspired by this discovery, I set out to recreate this dish at home, experimenting with various spices and cheese blends to capture the essence of my experience. After several attempts, I perfected my version of Chips Chili Cheese, achieving a balance between the robustness of the beef chili and the mellow creaminess of the cheese sauce. I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you, inviting you to sample a taste of the Southwest’s vibrant food culture right in your own kitchen.
Chips Chili Cheese
In summary, the Chips Chili Cheese recipe offers a vibrant taste of the American Southwest, encapsulating bold flavors and comforting textures. This dish features the golden crispness of chips blanketed with a rich, savory ground beef chili and smothered in a creamy, indulgent cheese sauce. It's a harmony of contrasts: the heat from the chili spices is tempered by the smooth, velvety cheese, creating a mouthwatering meld that's hard to resist. Born from the colorful and lively food markets of the Southwest, this recipe has been refined for the home cook, inviting you to embark on a culinary adventure right from your kitchen. It's not just food; it's an invitation to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and cultures that the American Southwest has to offer. By sharing this recipe, I hope to pass along the delight and warmth of this unforgettable dish, encouraging others to savor and share their own Chips Chili Cheese experience.
Equipment
- 1 saucepan
Ingredients
- For the beef mixture:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 – 15 ounce can Hormel Chili
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- For cheese sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1½ cups milk warmed
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- bag of tortilla chips
- tomatoes for topping
- green onions for topping
- black olives for topping
- sour cream for topping
Instructions
- For the beef mixture: Brown beef in a large skillet over medium high heat and drain fat. Add the can of chili, garlic powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, paprika, and oregano and stir to combine. Turn heat down to low to keep beef warm until time to serve.
- For the cheese sauce: Melt butter over medium-low heat in a saucepan. Whisk in flour, one tablespoon at a time, and cook for one minute. Add warmed milk to the flour and stir until sauce has an even consistency. Allow to cook 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the milk bubbles and thickens, then add cheese and salt. Turn heat to low and stir until cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Keep over low heat until ready to serve.
- Assemble: Add a layer of tortilla chips onto a plate. Spoon cheese sauce and beef mixture on top and repeat with another layer of chips. Finish with desired toppings such as chopped tomatoes, green onions, black olives, avocado, soup cream, or cilantro.
Cooking tips about Chips Chili Cheese
- Choose Quality Chips: Opt for thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up to the chili and cheese without becoming soggy too quickly. The crunch of the chips is crucial for the perfect texture.
- Season the Ground Beef Well: The ground beef should be seasoned generously with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t shy away from adjusting the spices to suit your taste preferences for a more personalized flavor profile.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Allow the chili to simmer slowly on the stove to develop depth of flavor. A slow cooker can also be used for this step, ensuring that all the spices meld together perfectly with the beef, creating a rich and robust chili.
- Homemade Cheese Sauce: While store-bought cheese sauce can be convenient, making your own cheese sauce ensures a creamier and richer taste. A simple roux mixed with milk and grated cheese (consider a mix of cheddar for sharpness and Monterey Jack for a smooth melt) will elevate your dish significantly. Adding a touch of your preferred beer can introduce an interesting depth to the sauce.
- Layering: Build your Chips Chili Cheese in layers to ensure every chip gets a good portion of chili and cheese. Start with a layer of chips, add a generous amount of beef chili, then drizzle over the cheese sauce. Repeat the layers as desired.
- Garnishes are Key: Don’t skimp on the garnishes. Freshly chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream not only add color but enhance the flavors, bringing a fresh contrast to the warm, savory base of the dish.
- Serve Immediately: To maintain the perfect balance of textures, serve the Chips Chili Cheese immediately after assembly. This way, you get the crispness of the chips against the creamy, spicy chili and cheese.
- Customize to Your Taste: Remember, this dish is all about bold flavors and comfort. Feel free to add beans to the chili, experiment with different cheeses, or include additional toppings like avocado or lime wedges for extra zest.
Serving suggestions about Chips Chili Cheese
- Add a Fresh Salsa: A vibrant, homemade salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice can add a zesty kick to your Chips Chili Cheese, balancing the richness of the cheese and the meaty chili.
- Guacamole on the Side: Serve with a side of creamy guacamole. The smooth, rich texture and the subtle acidity of lime in the guacamole pairs beautifully with the spicy, savory flavors of the dish.
- Ice Cold Beverages: Pair your Chips Chili Cheese with ice cold beverages to cleanse the palate. For adults, a crisp lager or ale can complement the hearty flavors well, while iced tea or lemonade offers a refreshing counterpoint for all ages.
- Rice or Beans: For a more filling meal, serve the Chips Chili Cheese alongside a portion of rice or a bowl of seasoned black beans. This not only adds variety but also rounds out the meal, making it even more satisfying.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread makes a fantastic addition, offering a sweet and soft contrast to the crunch and spice of the main dish.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, a few slices of pickled jalapeños on top or on the side can provide an additional layer of flavor and a nice vinegary bite.
- Sour Cream and Chives: A small dollop of sour cream topped with chopped chives or green onions on each serving can help cut through the richness of the dish, adding a cool and tangy note that refreshes the palate.
- Crispy Lettuce: Serving Chips Chili Cheese on a bed of crispy shredded lettuce can add a fresh and crunchy element, contrasting nicely with the warm components of the dish.
- Lime Wedges: Offering lime wedges for guests to squeeze over their serving adds a burst of citrus that can brighten up the whole dish.
- Extra Cheese: Lastly, for the cheese enthusiasts, having extra grated cheese available for sprinkling on top allows everyone to customize their serving to their cheese preference.
Top 5 FAQs about Chips Chili Cheese
- Can I use any type of chips for Chips Chili Cheese? For the best experience, it’s recommended to use thick, restaurant-style tortilla chips that can hold up well under the weight of the chili and cheese without becoming soggy. The crunch of the chips is a crucial texture element in this dish.
- What type of ground beef should I use for the chili? Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat but ensure it’s not too lean as a little fat contributes to the flavor. Seasoning the ground beef generously with spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper will enhance its taste.
- Can I make the cheese sauce in advance? Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time. However, it’s best served warm for a creamy consistency. If making it in advance, gently reheat the sauce on low heat, stirring constantly to prevent it from separating or becoming too thick. Adding a splash of milk can help restore its smooth texture.
- How can I customize the dish to cater to vegetarians? Easily substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP), lentils, or a mix of mushrooms finely chopped for a vegetarian version. You can also add beans for extra protein and fiber without compromising the dish’s hearty character.
- What’s the best way to layer Chips Chili Cheese for serving? Start by laying a bed of crispy tortilla chips on the bottom of your serving dish. Spoon a generous layer of beef chili over the chips, followed by a drizzle of warm cheese sauce. Repeat these layers as desired, ensuring every chip gets a good combination of chili and cheese. Finish with your choice of garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, green onions, jalapeños, and dollops of sour cream for a colorful and flavorful presentation.
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