Mexican Tortilla Casserole – A Flavorful & Easy Layered Dish

Mexican tortilla casserole is a comforting, layered dish packed with bold flavors, melty cheese, and a delicious combination of beans, veggies, and seasonings. It’s like a Mexican lasagna but with tortillas instead of pasta! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or when you’re craving a hearty meal. The best part? It’s easy to customize to your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 10 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey (optional for a vegetarian version)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Avocado or guacamole
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions
• Extra salsa

How to Make Mexican Tortilla Casserole ?

Step 1: Prepare the Meat (Optional)

If using meat, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain excess grease. Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

Add black beans, refried beans, diced tomatoes, corn, salsa, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper) to the skillet. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom of the dish.
• Spread a portion of the bean and meat mixture over the tortillas.
• Sprinkle a layer of cheese.
• Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with your favorite toppings.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add extra beans or sautéed mushrooms.
• Spicy Kick: Use hot salsa and add diced jalapeños to the layers.
• Low-Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas or replace tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini.
• Cheese Lover’s Casserole: Add an extra layer of queso fresco or crumbled feta cheese.
• Chicken Version: Use shredded cooked chicken instead of ground beef.

Cooking Note

• If you prefer a crispier texture, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.
• Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before slicing helps it hold its shape better.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice.
• Pair with a side of tortilla chips and salsa.
• Add a fresh salad with avocado and lime dressing.

Helpful Tips

• Use fresh tortillas for the best texture; stale tortillas can become too chewy.
• Drain canned ingredients well to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• This dish freezes well! Wrap individual portions and freeze for up to 2 months.

Related Recipes :

• Ground Beef Stuffed Shells with Ricotta
• Black Pepper Chicken Recipe 
• Best Ground Beef Casserole Recipe
• Best Homemade Ground Beef Chili Recipe

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

A: Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?

A: Absolutely! If you prefer, substitute the individual spices with 1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning.

Q: How do I make this casserole dairy-free?

A: Use dairy-free cheese or omit the cheese altogether.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?

A: Yes! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Mexican tortilla casserole is the perfect dish for an easy yet satisfying meal. Its rich, cheesy layers, packed with bold Mexican flavors, make it a favorite for both casual dinners and special gatherings. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or customize it to your liking, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try today and enjoy a delicious, comforting meal!

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