Got a half-empty bag of tortilla chips staring you down every time you open the pantry? Instead of letting them go stale or munching on them plain at midnight, turn them into dinner! From nachos that could feed a small army to casseroles that sneak in a satisfying crunch, there’s no shortage of ways to put those chips to good use.
BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Pile cheesy tortilla chips high with pulled pork, black beans, and your favorite toppings for nachos that feel like a meal. Great for game days or a casual dinner.
Get the Recipe: BBQ Pulled Pork Nachos
Carne Asada Nachos
Grilled carne asada, guacamole, and pico de gallo make these nachos stand out. Add jalapeños and lime crema for an extra hit of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Carne Asada Nachos
Brisket Nachos
Use leftover brisket to make these loaded BBQ nachos. Customize with your favorite toppings, and you’ve got an easy appetizer or meal everyone will dig into.
Get the Recipe: Brisket Nachos
Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole
This cheesy casserole uses tortilla chips and a hint of spice for a cozy dinner. Simple, comforting, and perfect for using up pantry staples.
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Tortilla Casserole
Sopa de Lima
This Yucatán-inspired lime soup is packed with bright, fresh flavors. A simple, traditional recipe that turns limes and broth into something special.
Get the Recipe: Sopa de Lima
Seared Steak Nachos with Tomatillo Serrano Salsa
Turn that bag of tortilla chips into a meal with these loaded nachos. Juicy steak and tangy tomatillo serrano salsa make this a punchy, flavor-packed snack or dinner that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Seared Steak Nachos with Tomatillo Serrano Salsa
Mexican Chicken Bake
This quick and easy casserole is packed with chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, cheese, and crushed tortilla chips. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s great for weeknights or lazy weekends when you need something everyone will dig into.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Chicken Bake
Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
This creamy chicken tortilla soup is a fast, no-hassle dinner. Loaded with veggies and chicken, it’s perfect for when you want a quick, comforting bowl without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup
Crock Pot Chicken Nachos
These slow-cooker nachos are a no-fail dinner or party option. Chicken cooks until tender, then gets piled on tortilla chips with all the toppings. Minimal work, maximum flavor.
Get the Recipe: Crock Pot Chicken Nachos
Fajita Nachos with Steak
Steak, bell peppers, jalapeños, and plenty of cheese meet tortilla chips for nachos that double as dinner. Bold and hearty, these are nachos done right.
Get the Recipe: Fajita Nachos with Steak
White Chicken Chili
This one-pot chili swaps the usual beef and tomato base for chicken and a creamy sauce. Using rotisserie chicken and canned beans keeps it simple, while a little cream cheese adds richness without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Chili
Taco Soup
This taco soup brings ground beef, veggies, and taco seasoning together in one pot. It’s quick, hearty, and exactly what you need for a no-stress dinner.
Get the Recipe: Taco Soup
Surf and Turf Nachos
Crispy tortilla chips loaded with steak, shrimp, and all your favorite toppings make these nachos a top pick for gatherings or game days. Every bite is loaded with bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Surf and Turf Nachos
Pineapple Salsa
Sweet, tangy, and spicy, pineapple salsa is ready in 10 minutes and perfect for tacos or grilled meats. It’s a quick upgrade to whatever you’re cooking.
Get the Recipe: Pineapple Salsa
Guacamole
Whip up guacamole in just 10 minutes with ripe avocados, lime, and a few spices. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dip that always gets eaten fast.
Get the Recipe: Guacamole
White Chicken Taco Casserole
Chicken, salsa, and beans come together under a crunchy baked topping for a casserole that turns taco night into something extra hearty.
Get the Recipe: White Chicken Taco Casserole
Southwestern Black Bean Burgers
Black beans, corn, and bold spices make these burgers flavorful and easy to prep. They’re a great meatless option that’s just as satisfying as the real thing.
Get the Recipe: Southwestern Black Bean Burgers
Walking Tacos
Ground beef, veggies, and toppings all served straight out of a chip bag? Walking tacos keep things easy and fun with minimal cleanup. A great pick for Taco Tuesday.
Get the Recipe: Walking Tacos
Southwest Chicken Soup
This chipotle-spiced soup is packed with shredded chicken and veggies in a tomato-based broth. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick, flavorful dinner.
Get the Recipe: Southwest Chicken Soup
Flank Steak Nachos
Grilled steak, guacamole, pico de gallo, and plenty of cheese get loaded onto tortilla chips for nachos that work as a snack or a no-fork-needed dinner.
Get the Recipe: Flank Steak Nachos
Green Chicken Chili
A quick, no-bean chili that combines green chiles, corn, and chicken into a bowl of comfort. It’s perfect for fall dinners when you need something easy and hearty.
Get the Recipe: Green Chicken Chili
Taco Bake
Layered with seasoned beef, beans, and melted cheese, this casserole is Tex-Mex comfort food at its best. It’s great for feeding a crowd or making ahead.
Get the Recipe: Taco Bake
Taco Salad
Crisp lettuce topped with seasoned beef, cheese, and your favorite taco toppings makes this salad an easy dinner win. Light but still satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Taco Salad
Baked Chili Cheese Dip
This cheesy, creamy chili dip is always a hit at gatherings or game nights. With just a few ingredients, it’s a quick crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for scooping with tortilla chips.
Get the Recipe: Baked Chili Cheese Dip
Taco Casserole
This vegan taco casserole swaps meat for mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts while still delivering big flavor. Perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner with less stress.
Get the Recipe: Taco Casserole
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
