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.