Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines layers of tortillas, cheese, beans, meat, and various other fillings, all baked to perfection. Here’s a basic recipe that you can tweak based on your preferences:
Ingredients:
- Tortillas: 8-10 corn tortillas (you can use flour tortillas if you prefer)
- Protein: 1 lb ground beef or chicken (or a mixture of both). For a vegetarian version, use black beans or pinto beans.
- Vegetables: 1 large onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (chopped), 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Sauce: 2 cups of enchilada sauce or salsa
- Cheese: 2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a blend)
- Extras: 1 can (14 oz) of corn (drained), 1 can (14 oz) of black beans (rinsed and drained)
- Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Toppings: Sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If you’re using meat, in a large skillet, brown it over medium-high heat. Once it’s nearly cooked, drain off the excess fat.
- Sauté Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the spices (cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper) and cook for another minute.
- If you’re going vegetarian, this is when you’d add in your beans.
- Layering:
- Start with a thin layer of enchilada sauce or salsa on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place a layer of tortillas, overlapping as necessary.
- Spread a portion of your meat or bean mixture over the tortillas.
- Add a handful of corn and black beans.
- Pour some more of the enchilada sauce or salsa over this layer.
- Sprinkle with a good amount of cheese.
- Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, but aim to finish with a layer of tortillas, sauce, and a generous amount of cheese on top.
- Baking:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
- Serving:
- Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with your choice of toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado.
Enjoy your Mexican Tortilla Casserole with a side salad, rice, or just on its own! Remember, this recipe is versatile. Adjust ingredients and quantities based on your personal preference or what you have on hand.
