Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe

If you adore bold flavors wrapped in comforting layers, this Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. Bursting with seasoned ground meat, hearty beans, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese atop soft corn tortillas, this casserole brings together textures and tastes that feel like a warm, festive hug. Simple to prepare yet impressively satisfying, it’s the perfect weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings when you want to share something cozy and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe plays an important role, creating a melody of flavors, vibrant colors, and delightful textures. From the spices that give it warmth to the fresh corn tortillas that hold everything together, these components are straightforward but essential.

• Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps sauté the onions and garlic to fragrant perfection.
• Large onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Offers a pungent, savory undertone that brightens the entire dish.
• Ground beef or turkey: The protein base that provides richness and satisfying texture.
• Ground cumin: Brings earthy, warm notes that are signature to Mexican cuisine.
• Chili powder: Adds mild heat and a smoky flavor to the mix.
• Paprika: Enhances color and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Salt: Essential for balancing and amplifying all flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and complexity.
• Black beans, drained and rinsed: Introduce protein, fiber, and creaminess.
• Corn kernels, drained: Provide bursts of natural sweetness and crunch.
• Diced tomatoes, drained: Bring acidity and juiciness to the casserole.
• Tomato sauce: Creates a luscious base that binds the ingredients.
• Diced green chiles: Add just the right amount of mild heat and brightness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, savory layers that tie the casserole together.
• Corn tortillas, cut into quarters: Provide the traditional Mexican foundation and subtle corn flavor.
• Chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh herb that brings a lively finish to the dish.

How to Make Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you assemble your casserole. Having the oven preheated is key for even baking and melting the cheese just right.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking them until the onion becomes translucent and soft—about five minutes. This step unlocks the sweet and savory base of the casserole.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Next, add your choice of ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook it thoroughly until no pink remains. This ensures your casserole has a hearty, meaty texture that every bite will celebrate.

Step 4: Season with Warm Spices

Sprinkle in the ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the meat is evenly coated in those fragrant spices, setting the stage for an irresistible taste.

Step 5: Add Beans, Vegetables, and Sauce

Pour in black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chiles. Stir the mixture well and let it simmer gently for about five minutes to meld all the flavors beautifully.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread half of the tortilla quarters evenly on the bottom. These tortillas serve as the delicious foundation, soaking up the sauce and spices as they bake.

Step 7: Add Half the Filling and Cheese

Spread half of your meat and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This gooey layer is what makes the casserole truly comforting.

Step 8: Repeat the Layers

Build the second layer by repeating the tortillas, meat mixture, and the remaining cheddar cheese. Layering like this creates a delicious stack of flavors and textures.

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover your assembled casserole with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This step lets everything heat evenly while keeping moisture locked in.

Step 10: Finish Baking Uncovered

Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This final stage allows the cheese to bubble and turn a beautiful golden brown, giving the casserole its irresistible appearance and taste.

How to Serve Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top adds a lovely burst of color and fresh, citrusy notes that complement the rich casserole. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or some sliced avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or a serving of Mexican rice. Black beans on the side or a scoop of guacamole can round out this classic meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Alternatively, top each serving with pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to amp up the heat and add colorful garnish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Mexican Tortilla Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds its flavor well, making it a fantastic next-day lunch or dinner option.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully—wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish anytime.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese has re-melted. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too, but the oven preserves that fresh-baked texture best.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of ground beef or turkey?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or shredded cooked chicken work wonderfully as lighter alternatives without sacrificing flavor in this Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just skip the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. The beans provide plenty of protein for a satisfying meat-free version.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it great for busy nights or entertaining.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic here for its sharpness and meltability, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend to add extra creaminess and flavor depth.

How spicy is this casserole?

The spice level is mild to moderate with the cumin, chili powder, and green chiles. You can adjust heat by adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce to suit your family’s preference.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe is a heartwarming celebration of bold, layered flavors wrapped in a simple, satisfying package. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family night or hosting friends, this dish invites everyone to savor bite after bite with delight. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorite go-to meals!

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