Looking for a hearty and satisfying all-in-one meal that combines the delicious flavors of Tex-Mex dishes? Look no further than this comforting Mexican Tortilla Casserole. This cheesy baked casserole layers crispy corn tortillas with spiced ground beef or chicken, beans, salsa, and melted cheese to create a truly crowd-pleasing dish.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Tortilla Casserole
– Versatile Flavors: Combines the best of Tex-Mex cuisine in one dish.
– Easy to Customize: Adapt to your taste with your favorite fillings and toppings.
– Satisfying and Filling: A hearty meal perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
– Cheesy Goodness: Melted cheese adds a comforting touch to every bite.
Ingredients
– Corn or Flour Tortillas: Opt for corn tortillas for an authentic touch.
– Ground Beef/Chicken: Use seasoned ground meat for a flavorful base.
– Onion and Garlic: Essential for building flavor in the meat mixture.
– Bell Pepper or Jalapeños: Add extra veggies for a punch of flavor.
– Taco Seasoning: Infuse Mexican spices and heat into the dish.
– Diced Tomatoes: With their juices or roasted for enhanced flavor.
– Refried Beans: Smooth or chunky, either works well in the casserole.
– Shredded Cheese: Choose from melty cheddar, Mexican blend, or your favorite cheese.
How to Make Mexican Tortilla Casserole
Step 1: Cook Ground Meat
– In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 lb ground beef or turkey.
– Add diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and cook until softened.
Step 2: Season Meat Mixture
– Stir in 1 packet of taco seasoning and 1 cup of diced tomatoes.
– Simmer until thickened, then season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Prepare Baking Dish
– Coat a 9×13 dish with nonstick spray.
– Layer the bottom with corn tortillas.
Step 4: Assemble Layers
– Top tortillas with half of the meat mixture, beans, and shredded cheese.
– Repeat the layering process until the dish is full.
Step 5: Top with Tortillas and Sauce
– Finish with a layer of tortillas on top.
– Pour additional tomatoes, enchilada sauce, or melted butter over the top.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
– Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
– Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until hot and slightly browned.
Step 8: Let Sit Before Serving
– Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Storage Options
For storage and reheating:
– Refrigeration: Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
– Freezing: Let the casserole cool completely, then freeze and thaw overnight.
– Reheating: Microwave with a splash of water or bake at 350°F until hot.
Variations and Substitutions
– Swap Fillings: Try ground turkey, chicken, or veggies instead of beef.
– Experiment with Salsas/Sauces: Use verde salsa or queso sauce for a different flavor.
– Cheese Choices: Opt for a Mexican blend or a mix of cheeses for extra cheesiness.
– Garnish Ideas: Top with avocado, cherry tomatoes, Greek yogurt, or salsa for added freshness.
What to Serve With Mexican Tortilla Casserole
– Guacamole and Chips
– Mexican Street Corn
– Fresh Garden Salad
– Chilled Agua Fresca
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this ahead of time ? :
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready.
Can I use store-bought tortilla chips ? :
While not traditional, you can use chips for a quick version.
Can I make it vegetarian ? :
Absolutely, omit the meat and add extra beans or veggies.
Is it spicy ? :
The heat level can be adjusted based on the taco seasoning and salsa used.
After making this Mexican Tortilla Casserole, you can expect a flavorful and satisfying meal that blends the richness of melted cheese, the heartiness of the ground meat, and the crunch of the tortillas perfectly. Each bite is a burst of Tex-Mex flavors that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Mexican Tortilla Casserole
Ingredients
- Corn or Flour Tortillas
- Ground Beef or Chicken
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell Pepper or Jalapeños
- Taco Seasoning
- Diced Tomatoes
- Refried Beans
- Shredded Cheese
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown ground beef or turkey with onion and garlic.
- Season with taco seasoning and diced tomatoes, simmer until thickened.
- Prepare a baking dish, layer with tortillas and the meat mixture.
- Continue layering with beans and cheese until the dish is full.
- Top with tortillas and pour extra sauce over the top.
- Cover and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 minutes more.
- Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.