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Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole
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A vibrant and comforting Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole featuring tender tortillas, seasoned meat or veggies, refried beans, fresh salsa, and melted cheese, delivering bold Mexican-inspired flavors in an easy-to-assemble, customizable, and family-friendly baked dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8–10 Flour tortillas (soft but sturdy)
  • 1 cup Refried beans

Protein and Filling

  • 1 lb Ground meat (beef, turkey, or plant-based alternative)
  • 1 small Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Cumin
  • 1 tsp Chili powder
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1/2 tsp Oregano

Salsa and Toppings

  • 1 cup Mild or spicy salsa (your choice)
  • 2 cups Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground meat or plant-based protein, seasoning with cumin, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Cook until fully browned and cooked through.
  2. Layer the Tortilla Base: In a baking dish, spread a thin, even layer of refried beans. Follow this with one layer of flour tortillas covering the beans completely for stability.
  3. Add Filling and Cheese Layers: Spread half of the cooked meat mixture evenly over the tortillas. Spoon salsa generously over the meat, then sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Repeat the layering process with another layer of tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, salsa, refried beans, and more shredded cheese.
  4. Bake Until Bubbling: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to melt and lightly brown the cheese.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions as desired. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to help it set and maintain clean layers.

Notes

  • Warm your tortillas before layering to prevent cracking and help them soften during baking.
  • Use fresh salsa to brighten flavors and avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Keep layers thin and even to ensure even cooking and neat slices.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to keep the layers intact and avoid spills.
  • Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference to balance richness with other flavors.
  • For vegetarian options, substitute meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, black beans, or plant-based proteins.
  • To make gluten-free, use corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla alternatives, warming them well before layering.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, layered tortilla bake, weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten-free Mexican recipe, easy casserole, family-friendly meal

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