Mexican Tortilla Casserole

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Description:

This Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a layered dish made with ground beef, beans, salsa, cheese, and tortillas. It’s like a Mexican-style lasagna — cheesy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to prepare, highly customizable, and full of bold flavors.

 Ingredients For Mexican Tortilla Casserole

(Serves 6–8)

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained

  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (or Rotel for extra spice)

  • 1 cup salsa (your choice of heat level)

  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

  • 6–8 small flour or corn tortillas

 Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. Cook the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.

  3. Add onions & garlic: Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

  4. Season: Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.

  5. Layer the casserole:

    • Grease a baking dish.

    • Place 1–2 tortillas to cover the bottom.

    • Add ⅓ of the meat mixture, then a layer of cheese.

    • Repeat layers (tortilla → meat → cheese) until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese on top.

  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

  7. Cool and Serve: Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or avocado if desired.

Servings:

  • Serves: 6–8

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

  • Total Time: 50 minutes

 Nutritional Info (Per Serving — approx.):

  • Calories: 420

  • Protein: 23g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Carbs: 35g

  • Fiber: 7g

  • Sugar: 5g

(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits:

  • Protein-rich from beef and beans

  • Fiber-packed from beans and corn

  • Customizable: Can use low-fat cheese, lean meat, or veggie substitutes

  • Gluten-free if using corn tortillas

  • Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly

Notes & Tips:

  • Make it vegetarian: Skip meat and double the beans or add lentils.

  • Add heat: Use spicy salsa or add jalapeños or chipotle peppers.

  • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate a day in advance before baking.

  • Freeze for later: Assemble, wrap well, and freeze. Bake directly from frozen at 375°F for about 45–50 minutes.

  • Add rice for a heartier version.

  • Top with fresh ingredients like chopped tomatoes, green onions, or guacamole.

 Q&A:

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Shredded cooked chicken works perfectly in place of beef.

Q: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
A: Absolutely. You can also make your own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or simply skip cheese and top with avocado or guacamole.

Q: How long does it keep?
A: In the fridge: up to 4 days. In the freezer: up to 3 months.

Q: What should I serve with it?
A: Great with a side salad, chips and salsa, or Mexican rice.

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