My friend used to make this for block parties. It was my favorite comfort food so I had to get the recipe

### Instructions: Easy Steps to Comfort Food Heaven

#### 1. **Cook the Ground Beef**
– In a large skillet or pot, heat a bit of **olive oil** over medium heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.
– Add the chopped **onion** to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent.

#### 2. **Add the Flavor**
– Stir in the **chili powder**, **cumin**, and **garlic powder**. Season with **salt** and **pepper** to taste. Let the spices cook for about 1 minute to really bring out their flavor.

#### 3. **Combine the Ingredients**
– Add the **tomato sauce**, **diced tomatoes**, **kidney beans**, **black beans**, and **corn kernels** into the pot. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.

#### 4. **Top with Cheese**
– Once the mixture is heated through and the flavors are well combined, sprinkle **shredded cheddar cheese** over the top. Cover the pot with a lid for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt and get bubbly.

#### 5. **Serve and Enjoy**
– Serve the comforting mixture over **tortilla chips** for that perfect crunchy base. For an extra touch of flavor and creaminess, top with a dollop of **sour cream** and a sprinkle of **chopped cilantro**.

### Why This Dish Became My Favorite Comfort Food

1. **Easy to Make**: This recipe is as simple as it gets. It doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or techniques, and it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend get-togethers.

2. **Crowd-Pleasing**: Whether you’re feeding a few friends or hosting a block party, this dish is designed to be shared. The combination of savory beef, hearty beans, and sweet corn creates a comforting dish that appeals to all tastes.

3. **Versatile**: One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences. Want to make it spicier? Add some jalapeños or hot sauce. Prefer a vegetarian version? Simply swap the ground beef for a plant-based protein like **tofu** or **lentils**.

4. **Comforting and Filling**: There’s something deeply satisfying about this dish. It’s not only delicious but also hearty enough to fill you up and leave you feeling content. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, a light dinner, or a full meal, it never disappoints.

5. **Perfect for Sharing**: This recipe is great for gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a block party like we did or just having a few friends over, this dish always gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s easy to make in large quantities.

### Tips for Making the Dish Your Own

1. **Add Some Heat**: If your crowd likes things spicy, you can ramp up the heat by adding some **chili flakes**, **jalapeños**, or a few dashes of **hot sauce**. You can even experiment with different chili powders to give the dish a unique kick.

2. **Use a Slow Cooker**: For a hands-off version, throw all the ingredients (except the cheese) into a slow cooker and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours. When ready to serve, top with cheese and let it melt before serving.

3. **Make It a Full Meal**: You can turn this into a full meal by serving it with **rice**, **tacos**, or **soft tortillas**. If you want to make it even more filling, add some **avocado** slices or a side of **guacamole**.

4. **Substitute the Meat**: If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap the ground beef with ground **chicken** or **turkey**. For a completely vegetarian option, replace the meat with **lentils** or **plant-based crumbles**.

### The Perfect Comfort Food for Any Occasion

This **comfort food recipe** has all the qualities of a classic dish: it’s simple, delicious, and always hits the spot. Whether it’s for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or a lively block party, this dish has proven time and time again that it can feed a crowd and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

It’s one of those recipes that never goes out of style, and it’s always met with smiles and requests for seconds. So, the next time you need a hearty, delicious dish that’s sure to please, give this recipe a try. Like it did for me, it might just become a beloved tradition in your home too!