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Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Mexican Tortilla Casserole
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This quick and flavorful Mexican Tortilla Casserole layers soft tortillas, hearty protein, creamy beans, melted cheese, and savory spices to create a comforting and festive meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8–10 flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 lb ground beef or shredded chicken (or beans for vegetarian option)
  • 1 cup refried beans or black beans, drained
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend, shredded
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce or salsa
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup bell peppers or jalapeños, diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Variations & Extras

  • Sautéed mushrooms, zucchini or extra beans (for vegetarian swap)
  • Diced jalapeños or hot sauce (for spicy boost)
  • Queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese (alternative cheese options)
  • Corn tortillas (gluten-free option)
  • Corn, diced tomatoes, or spinach (extra veggies)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onion and garlic until fragrant and soft. Add the ground beef or shredded chicken and cook thoroughly until no longer pink. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in refried or black beans and bell peppers or jalapeños if using. Let the mixture cook together for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  2. Assemble the Layers: Grease a casserole dish and spread a layer of enchilada sauce or salsa on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place a layer of tortillas over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Evenly spread a generous portion of the filling over the tortillas, then sprinkle with shredded cheese. Repeat layering tortillas, filling, and cheese until ingredients are used up, finishing with a top layer of cheese for a golden crust.
  3. Bake Until Perfect: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before slicing to let the layers set.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or on a skillet to prevent cracking while layering.
  • Drain excess grease from cooked meat to avoid a soggy casserole.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to help layers hold together better.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results; avoid pre-shredded varieties with additives.
  • Adjust spice levels by tasting sauce and filling before assembling; add extra chili powder or jalapeños as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, tortilla casserole, quick dinner, family-friendly, layered casserole, easy Mexican recipe, baked tortilla dish

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