Description
This Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish packed with layers of tortillas, seasoned proteins, cheese, and fresh toppings. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, it combines bold Mexican flavors with comforting layers that please all ages and diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Tortillas
- 8–10 Flour or Corn Tortillas (soft wraps)
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb Ground beef, turkey, or 2 cups cooked black beans (can substitute with lentils or pinto beans)
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 Bell pepper, diced
- Optional: 1-2 Jalapeños, diced (for spice)
- Optional: 1 cup corn, chopped spinach, or mushrooms (extra veggies)
Seasonings & Sauce
- 2 tbsp Mexican seasoning blend (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika)
- 1 ½ cups Salsa or Enchilada sauce
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (or Mexican cheese blend or cotija for variation)
Optional Toppings
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Brown your choice of ground meat or sauté the beans with diced onions and bell peppers. Stir in the Mexican seasoning blend and cook until fragrant and thoroughly combined.
- Assemble the Layers: Spread a thin layer of salsa or enchilada sauce at the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer tortillas, then add a scoop of the meat or bean mixture, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat the layers until ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Top with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or additional salsa for a bright and creamy finish.
Notes
- Warm tortillas briefly before layering to prevent cracking and help soften.
- Drain excess liquid from canned beans or salsa to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Mix different cheeses for deeper flavor and varied melting textures.
- Allow casserole to rest 10 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.
- Customize layers by adding extra veggies or beans for more texture and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of casserole)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg