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Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole
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A comforting and flavorful Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole combining tortillas, seasoned ground meat, beans, cheese, and zesty enchilada sauce. This easy-to-make bake is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering customizable layers to suit any taste or dietary need.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8–10 Flour or Corn Tortillas (soft)
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Chicken
  • 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans or Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups Mexican Cheese Blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack), shredded
  • 1 cup Enchilada Sauce or Salsa Roja

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Chopped Tomatoes or Rotel

Spices

  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh Cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 Lime
  • Sour Cream, for serving
  • Diced Avocado, sliced green onions, olives, or pickled red onions (optional toppings)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Cook the ground meat with diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the drained beans and chopped tomatoes, and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
  2. Preheat Oven and Gather Ingredients: While the filling simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare shredded cheese, enchilada sauce, and tortillas so they are ready to assemble.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Grease a baking dish lightly. Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom, then arrange tortillas to cover the surface. Add a layer of the meat and bean mixture, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and repeat until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any additional desired toppings before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm tortillas to prevent cracking during layering and to make assembly easier.
  • Don’t overload each layer to avoid sogginess and to ensure even baking.
  • Season the meat mixture generously for authentic Mexican flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to firm up, which makes slicing easier.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or queso fresco for varied taste.
  • You can prepare and assemble the casserole a day in advance; bake when ready.
  • Make vegetarian by substituting meat with sautéed vegetables or plant-based proteins.
  • For gluten-free option, use only corn tortillas.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, layered casserole, tortilla bake, ground beef casserole, enchilada casserole, gluten-free casserole, family dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/layered-mexican-tortilla-casserole/