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Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a quick and comforting layered dish combining tortillas, seasoned ground meat, beans, salsa, and melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly, flexible recipe perfect for busy weeknights, offering warm, hearty flavors with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Easily adaptable for vegetarians and gluten-free diets, it reheats well and makes an excellent meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

Tortilla Base

  • 810 Flour or Corn Tortillas

Protein

  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 2 tbsp Mexican Seasoning (blend of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder)
  • 1 cup Salsa or Enchilada Sauce (drained if store-bought)

Vegetables & Beans

  • 1 cup Black Beans or Pinto Beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 small Onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • Optional: 1/2 cup Corn, diced Bell Peppers, or Jalapeños

Cheese

  • 2 cups Shredded Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Brown the ground meat in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until softened. Stir in the Mexican seasoning and salsa or enchilada sauce, simmering for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: Grease a baking dish and place a layer of tortillas to cover the bottom. Spread an even layer of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with beans, optional veggies, and shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
  3. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.
  4. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow it to set, making it easier to cut and serve while enhancing flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh tortillas for better layering and to prevent sogginess.
  • Drain excess liquid from salsa or sauce to avoid a watery casserole.
  • Start and end with tortillas to hold all fillings securely.
  • Adjust cheese quantity according to preference for a lighter or richer casserole.
  • Tent with foil during the first 15 minutes of baking if cheese browns too fast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, tortilla casserole, ground beef casserole, easy Mexican dinner, gluten-free Mexican recipe, family-friendly dinner