• ⅓ cup thick, chunky salsa (not watery—drain excess liquid if needed)
• ½ cup full-fat sour cream
• 4 tbsp taco seasoning (2 packets or 4 tsp homemade blend)
• 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (pulse 10 chips in food processor until sandy—not dusty)
• ½ cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (divided)
• ½ tsp fine sea salt (adjust after tasting mixture—seasoning packets vary in saltiness)
For Finishing:
• Extra shredded cheese
• ½ cup diced Roma tomatoes (patted dry with paper towel)
• 3 tbsp finely chopped green onions
(Equipment: 9x13" glass or metal baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep with purpose
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
2. Build the mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, salsa, sour cream, taco seasoning, crushed tortilla chips, ½ cup cheese, and salt.
→ Critical technique: Use clean hands to gently knead just until combined (30–45 seconds). Overmixing = dense, tough meatloaf.
