From cheesy nachos and taco-flavored bakes to tender meat loaf, these easy recipes with tortilla chips will make that open bag disappear.
1/21
Nacho Chicken
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it's always a favorite of my family and friends. It's sure to disappear quickly at potluck suppers too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 496 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1299mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
2/21
Pressure-Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
From the Recipe Creator:
Traditional stuffed peppers get a southwestern twist in this easy recipe. The filling also makes a delicious meat loaf that we even like cold as a sandwich with Mexican blend or cheddar cheese, mayo and salsa. —Traci Wynne, Denver, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper: 319 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 141mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 medium-fat meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/21
Southwestern Turkey Bake
From the Recipe Creator:
I make this turkey bake as a way to get my husband and nieces to eat their spinach. This creamy entree will fill you up fast. —Crystal Kolady, Henrietta, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 464 calories, 28g fat (12g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 773mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 30g protein.
4/21
Taco Stuffed Shells
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a kid-friendly dish so flavorful and fun, nobody is likely to guess that it's also lower in fat. It's a great family supper for busy weeknights! —Anne Thomsen, Westchester, Ohio
Nutrition Facts:
3 stuffed shells: 384 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 665mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
5/21
Chili Lime Shrimp
From the Recipe Creator:
Easy, quick and family friendly, this chili lime shrimp recipe is dairy free and comes together in about 30 minutes. The secret is the bright flavor-packed sauce. Serve over greens, store-bought slaw or cauliflower rice. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 230 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 315mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 2g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.
6/21
Blue-Ribbon Beef Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
Chili powder and convenient jarred salsa season a zesty mixture of ground beef and refried beans that's sprinkled with green onions, tomatoes and ripe olives. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 294 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 1353mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 9g fiber), 20g protein.
7/21
Nacho Pie
From the Recipe Creator:
In place of the ground beef and mozzarella cheese, consider topping this zesty pie with lean ground sausage and cheddar cheese. It tastes just as good.—LaVerna Mjones, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 462 calories, 24g fat (7g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 841mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 26g protein.
8/21
Chilaquiles with Bacon
From the Recipe Creator:
In Mexico and throughout the Southwest, chilaquiles are typically made for brunch using tortillas and any leftovers from the previous day's dinner. I love to bring this chilaquiles recipe to family brunches as it gives the traditional eggs-and-bacon dish a unique twist. The empty pan proves that it's a family brunch favorite! —Naylet LaRochelle, Miami, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 623 calories, 38g fat (15g saturated fat), 247mg cholesterol, 1426mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
9/21
Queso Fundido
From the Recipe Creator:
Dig in to this rich, warm one-skillet dip, topped with fresh tomato and green onions, and enjoy the gooey cheese and spicy kick from the chorizo and pepper jack. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 161 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 38mg cholesterol, 365mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
10/21
Baked Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
I modified a nachos recipe I found, and my family loves it! It is now a regular at all of our parties or any time we're craving nachos. —Denise Wheeler, Newaygo, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 313 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 29mg cholesterol, 786mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 11g protein.
11/21
Layered Taco Salad
From the Recipe Creator:
I invented this taco salad to make my kids happy. Make it with ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken and it's equally good. —Betty Nickels, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 442 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 925mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 7g fiber), 31g protein.
12/21
Nacho Casserole
From the Recipe Creator:
Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 477 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
13/21
Southwestern Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
14/21
Mexican Meat Loaf
From the Recipe Creator:
Tasty taco ingredients makes this Mexican meat loaf extra special. Serve with sour cream and sliced fresh avocado. —Tena Huckleby, Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts:
1 meat loaf: 392 calories, 18g fat (7g saturated fat), 185mg cholesterol, 1333mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 30g protein.
15/21
Chicken Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
This chicken nachos recipe is delicious and so simple. Rotisserie (or leftover) chicken keeps it quick, and the seasonings and splash of lime juice lend fantastic flavor. My husband enjoys this snack so much that he often requests it for dinner! —Gail Cawsey, Geneseo, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 221 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 314mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
16/21
Taco Pizza
From the Recipe Creator:
Convenient prebaked crust makes this tasty taco pizza as easy as can be. It's a great recipe, especially if you have teenagers. I keep the ingredients on hand so that we can whip up this filling meal anytime. —Mary Cass, Baltimore, Maryland
Nutrition Facts:
2 pieces: 310 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 15g protein.
17/21
Skillet Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
My mom gave me a fundraiser cookbook, and this is the recipe I’ve used most. My whole family is on board. For toppings, think sour cream, tomatoes, jalapeno and red onion. —Judy Hughes, Waverly, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 676 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1293mg sodium, 74g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
18/21
Cilantro & Lime Chicken with Scoops
From the Recipe Creator:
I came up with this recipe when I was preparing for a large party and wanted a healthy Tex-Mex chicken to serve in tortilla chip cups. You can make this party dish ahead of time to free yourself for time-sensitive dishes. Serve it in tortilla cups or any other savory, crispy cup you like. Enjoy the leftovers over salad greens or wrapped up in tender tortillas for burritos. —Lori Terry, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup chicken mixture: 97 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 26mg cholesterol, 183mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 medium-fat meat.
19/21
Ramona’s Chilaquiles
From the Recipe Creator:
Looking for recipes to make with tortilla chips? A dear neighbor shared this recipe. She used to make it from scratch, but my version takes a few shortcuts. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 573 calories, 35g fat (14g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 1509mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
20/21
Cheesy Chicken Taco Dip
From the Recipe Creator:
We're huge college football fans (go Irish!), and my chicken taco dip hasn't missed a season opener in many years. A slow cooker keeps the dip warm for the whole game—if it lasts that long! —Deanna Garretson, Yucaipa, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup dip: 82 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
21/21
Fresh Shrimp and Avocado Nachos
From the Recipe Creator:
I'm a fan of shrimp, and my family loves nachos. When I combined those favorites and added fresh avocado, the result was a cool yet satisfying snack. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 264 calories, 16g fat (3g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 542mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.
Recipes with Tortilla Chips FAQ
What meals can I make with leftover tortilla chips?
You can use leftover tortilla chips in almost any meal instead of bread crumbs or croutons, like a crisp salad or crunchy baked chicken tenders. Sprinkle them over savory breakfast casserole recipes or a dish of baked mac and cheese for added texture. Add a handful of chips to stews and soups to thicken and flavor the broth as they simmer.
How do I keep tortilla chips from getting soggy in recipes?
Some dishes, like chilaquiles, embrace softened tortilla chips, but if you want them to remain crispy, add them toward the end of cooking or sprinkle them on as a topping before serving. Chips stay crisp under thick sauces, like in walking tacos because they are layered right before digging in. For baked casseroles, use sturdy, thick-cut tortilla chips, which don’t soften as quickly.
How do I season plain tortilla chips for recipes?
To season plain tortilla chips, toss them very lightly with oil, sprinkle with your favorite spices and warm them briefly in the oven so the flavors stick. Smoky chili powder, paprika, garlic salt or ranch seasoning are all great flavoring options that pair well with dishes like pulled pork nachos or buffalo chicken casseroles. For serving with bean salad or guacamole, try lime zest, cumin or just a pinch of salt and pepper.
