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Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Mexican Tortilla Casserole
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This Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a quick, hearty, and flavorful layered dish featuring tender tortillas, savory seasoned meat or beans, zesty tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers comfort and bold Mexican flavors in one easy-to-make casserole that’s great for family meals, gatherings, and leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 lb ground beef or 2 cups cooked beans (black or pinto)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup chopped green chilies or 1-2 diced jalapeños (optional)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Garnishes

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Sliced green onions (optional)
  • Diced avocado (optional)

Optional Add-ins & Variations

  • 1 cup corn, bell peppers, or zucchini, diced
  • Additional hot spices like chipotle peppers or cayenne powder
  • Substitute shredded chicken or turkey for ground beef
  • Whole wheat tortillas for a healthier alternative

Instructions

  1. Prepare the filling: Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or cooked beans, cooking until browned or heated through. Stir in tomato sauce, green chilies (if using), cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Let the mixture simmer briefly to meld flavors.
  2. Layer the casserole: Spread a thin layer of the meat or bean mixture on the bottom of a casserole dish. Arrange a layer of tortillas over the mixture. Add another layer of the filling, then tortillas again, repeating until all filling and tortillas are used, ending with a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
  3. Bake to perfection: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
  4. Garnish and serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes once out of the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Optionally, add sour cream, sliced green onions, or diced avocado for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use day-old tortillas for better layering and less sogginess.
  • Drain excess grease after cooking ground meat to prevent a watery casserole.
  • Adjust spice level gradually, starting mild and adding cayenne or jalapeños as desired.
  • Sprinkle cheese between casserole layers for gooey pockets, not just on top.
  • If cheese browns too quickly, tent the casserole with foil while baking.
  • Assemble a day ahead for convenience; cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days; flavors deepen overnight.
  • Freeze before or after baking; thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F (175°C) for best texture, or microwave covered for speed (texture may soften).

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, tortilla casserole, quick dinner, layered casserole, baked Mexican dish, ground beef casserole, vegetarian casserole option, cheese casserole, weeknight meal

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