Tortilla Casserole Recipe

This hearty Tortilla Casserole is made with ground beef, canned black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, and shredded cheese. The result is a savory, cheesy layered dish with a delicious Tex-Mex flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner for a busy family, and it makes enough to serve 6-8 people.

Tortilla Casserole Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
• 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 6 large flour tortillas (or 8-10 corn tortillas)
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• 1 can (10 ounces) enchilada sauce
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving (Optional):

• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños

How To Make Tortilla Casserole

1. Prepare the meat mixture: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and garlic, and cook until the onion is soft, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add the flavor: Stir in the black beans, tomato sauce, corn, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Layer the casserole: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom of the dish. Place three of the tortillas over the sauce, overlapping them as needed to create a single layer.
4. Assemble the layers: Spoon half of the meat mixture over the tortillas, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded cheese. Repeat with another layer of tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, and the remaining shredded cheese.
5. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
6. Rest and serve: Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This helps it hold its shape. Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños.

Recipe Tips

• Prevent soggy tortillas: To prevent your tortillas from becoming too soft, you can quickly toast them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side before layering. This helps them hold up to the moisture.
• Use fresh spices: Make sure your ground cumin and chili powder are fresh. Old spices lose their potency and won’t give you that rich, deep flavor you’re looking for.
• Customize the protein: This recipe is also delicious with shredded cooked chicken, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian ground substitute.
• Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. It allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut and serve neat slices.

What To Serve With Tortilla Casserole

This savory tortilla casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheese. You could also serve it with a side of Mexican rice, or a bowl of refried beans. For toppings, offer a platter of sliced avocados, a fresh pico de gallo, and a generous scoop of sour cream.

How To Store Tortilla Casserole Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also leave it in the baking dish, covered tightly with plastic wrap.
• Freeze: To freeze the unbaked casserole, cover it tightly with a double layer of foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. You can also freeze individual slices in freezer-safe containers for a quick meal later.

Tortilla Casserole Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of casserole)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg
• Sodium: 940 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 47 g
• Dietary Fiber: 9 g
• Sugars: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour? Yes, you can. Corn tortillas are a great option and will give the casserole a different texture and flavor. They are also less likely to get soggy than flour tortillas.
• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.
• What kind of cheese is best? A Cheddar or a Colby-Monterey Jack blend works very well for its melting properties and flavor. Pepper Jack cheese is also a great choice if you want to add a little heat.

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• Triple Pepperoni Pizza Recipe
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