1-First Step: Prep and mise en place Preheat your oven to 350°F and set it to broil when the time comes for melting cheese. Chop 1 medium white onion and 1/2 medium bell pepper. Shred 2 cups of cheddar by hand from blocks for the best melt and texture. If you need a faster option, pre-shredded cheese will work, though results may vary.

2-Second Step: Sauté the aromatics Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped white onion and cook until golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick sauté builds flavor and prevents any raw onion bite.

3-Third Step: Cook the ground beef Add 1 pound ground beef to the pan with the golden onions. Cook the beef for approximately 8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat if you prefer a leaner mix or if you notice too much oil in the pan.

4-Fourth Step: Thicken and season the beef Stir in 2 tablespoons potato starch or 1.5 tablespoons corn starch and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, mixing occasionally so the starch combines evenly. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce (no salt added) to coat the beef thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.

5-Fifth Step: Arrange the chips and layers Place tortilla chips from 1 bag into an 8-inch cast iron skillet or a similar casserole dish in a single even layer. Sprinkle half of the cooked ground beef mixture over the chips, followed by half of the shredded cheese. Repeat with the remaining beef and cover with the rest of the cheese.

6-Final Step: Melt the cheese and garnish Bake for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and garnish immediately with 2 medium sliced jalapeno peppers, any reserved chopped bell pepper, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves, and 1/4 cup pico de gallo if using. Serve hot and enjoy.