A towering, crave-worthy twist on classic taco night, this Loaded Taco Haystack layers crisp tortilla chips with richly seasoned ground beef, bubbling melted cheese, sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. Everything is finished with cool sour cream and a shower of fresh cilantro for a satisfying contrast of textures and flavors.
The secret to a great taco haystack is building it in layers so every bite gets a little of everything. The warm beef and cheese soften the chips just enough while leaving plenty of crisp edges, and the fresh toppings add brightness to the hearty, savory base. It is an easy centerpiece for a casual dinner, game-day spread, or build-your-own taco night.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Taco Beef
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup diced tomatoes with green chiles
- ¼ cup water
Haystack Layers
- 1 large bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup corn, drained if canned
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Optional Toppings
- Diced jalapeños
- Sliced green onions
- Diced avocado
- Black olives
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Lime wedges
