1-First Step: Prep and mise en place Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet (13×18 inches recommended) with foil and spray the foil lightly with nonstick spray. This makes cleanup quick and helps prevent sticking. Gather ingredients: chop 1 cup diced Roma tomato, 1/2 cup diced red onion, and slice 1 jalapeno thinly. Measure out shredded cheese, drained black beans, corn, and sliced black olives so everything is ready to go.

2-Second Step: Brown the meat In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey) and cook, breaking up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. This usually takes 6-8 minutes. If you prefer to lower fat, drain excess grease before adding seasonings. For juicier flavor, keep some of the rendered fat; with turkey, you may only need to drain lightly.

3-Third Step: Season the protein Stir 2 tbsp taco seasoning and 1/2 cup mild tomato-based salsa into the browned meat. Simmer 1-2 minutes until the salsa is warmed through and the spices are evenly distributed. This step gives the meat a saucy, well-seasoned profile that melds with the chips and cheese. Tip: If you make this for a larger crowd, double the meat and salsa amounts to keep portions hearty.

4-Fourth Step: Layer the chips and toppings Arrange 8-10 oz corn chips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. For a sturdier base, place a second layer of chips where needed so the meat sits on chips but not all chips are saturated. Scatter the seasoned meat over the chips in an even layer. Follow with 1 cup black beans, 1 cup corn, and 1/2 cup sliced black olives. Finish the layering with 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend so the entire surface gets cheesy coverage.

5-Fifth Step: Bake until melty Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 5-6 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Watch closely: the goal is melted, bubbly cheese without burning the chips. Start checking at 4 minutes if your oven runs hot. Optional broiler finish: For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end. Stay nearby to avoid burning the top.

6-Final Step: Finish and serve Remove the pan from the oven and immediately top with 1 cup diced Roma tomato, 1/2 cup diced red onion, thinly sliced jalapeno, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. Serve warm with dollops of 1/2 cup sour cream on the side. For air fryer cooks: In a large air fryer basket layer chips and toppings in a single layer and air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes. This works best in roomy models that can handle a sheet-sized layer.