Introduction
Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a flavorful, hearty dish that combines the rich tastes of traditional Mexican ingredients with the convenience of a one-pan meal.
Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it layers soft tortillas with savory fillings, creating a comforting and satisfying casserole that everyone will love.
This dish is packed with bold flavors, including seasoned ground meat, melty cheese, beans, and tangy salsa, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare
Ingredients
To make a delicious Mexican Tortilla Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
8-10 corn or flour tortillas (depending on your preference)
1 lb ground beef or chicken
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
1/2 cup sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup green chilies (optional, for extra spice)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), allowing it to fully heat up while you prepare the casserole.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the ground beef or chicken to the skillet.
breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, and cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
Once the meat is cooked, add the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and green chilies (if using).
Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and remove the skillet from the heat.
Now it’s time to assemble the casserole. Start by spreading a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of your greased baking dish.
Then, place a layer of tortillas on top of the salsa, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom of the dish. Follow with half of the meat mixture, spreading it evenly over the tortillas.
Top the meat mixture with a generous layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, adding more tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, and the last bit of cheese.
Finish with a final layer of tortillas on top, and spread the sour cream evenly over the top. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some additional cheese over the sour cream.
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to become golden and slightly crispy.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for an added touch of freshness.
How to Make
To make this Mexican Tortilla Casserole, begin by preparing all your ingredients so they are ready to go when it’s time to assemble the dish. Chop the onion.
drain the beans, and measure out the cheese and salsa. This will help streamline the cooking process and make it easier to layer the casserole quickly.
Start by cooking the ground meat in a skillet with the taco seasoning and onions. As the meat cooks, make sure to break it up into small pieces to ensure an even texture throughout the casserole.
Once the meat is browned, add the black beans and tomatoes, letting the mixture simmer to meld the flavors together.
While the meat mixture simmers, prepare your baking dish by greasing it with oil. Lay down the first layer of tortillas on the bottom.
ensuring they cover the surface evenly. If necessary, tear or trim the tortillas to fit the pan without gaps.
Once the meat mixture has finished simmering, spoon half of it over the tortillas and spread it evenly.
Top with a generous amount of shredded cheese to create that perfect melty texture. Repeat the process with another layer of tortillas, meat, and cheese.
The final step is to spread sour cream over the top, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. You can also sprinkle extra cheese for added flavor and richness.
Cover with foil and bake the casserole until everything is hot and bubbly, ensuring the flavors have time to combine and the cheese is melted to perfection.
After baking, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes so it sets and is easier to cut into portions.
Garnish with fresh toppings like cilantro, tomatoes, or guacamole to bring some extra flavor and color to the dish.
Tips
Use corn tortillas for a more authentic taste, or opt for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture. Both types work well, so choose based on your personal preference.
For a spicier casserole, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or fresh diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also use spicy salsa or add more green chilies.
To make this casserole even more filling, try adding some vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. These will add a fresh crunch and additional flavor.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or ground turkey as a substitute for the ground beef. These options offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
For a cheesy, gooey texture, be sure to use a good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a more complex flavor.
If you prefer a more golden top, remove the foil from the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. This will help the cheese crisp up and become golden brown, giving it an appealing texture.
To store leftovers, cover the casserole with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It keeps well for about 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
Conclusion
Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a vibrant, satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Mexico to your table in a simple and easy-to-make way.
The combination of tortillas, seasoned meat, beans, cheese, and salsa creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, this casserole is sure to be a hit. The layers of flavor and texture will make it a favorite for many meals to come.