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Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole
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Layered Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines warm tortillas, seasoned meat or beans, melted cheese, and vibrant salsa into a delicious baked casserole. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare, customizable, and brings authentic Mexican flavors to your table in a satisfying and fun way.

Ingredients

Scale

Tortillas

  • 8–10 corn or flour tortillas, soft yet sturdy

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef, shredded chicken, or 2 cups black beans (cooked)

Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups salsa or enchilada sauce
  • 2–3 tbsp water or broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional)

Cheese

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

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)

Spices

  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano

Fresh Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Sour cream or sliced avocado (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Cook your chosen protein (ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans) with diced onions, bell peppers, and a blend of Mexican spices including cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and oregano until fragrant and fully cooked.
  2. Mix the Sauce: Combine salsa or enchilada sauce with water or broth to adjust moisture, and stir in tomato paste if using, to add richness to the sauce.
  3. Layer the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay down a tortilla layer, then alternate layers of the cooked protein mixture, vegetables, cheese, and sauce. Repeat until ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
  4. Bake: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown around the edges.
  5. Rest and Garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and optional sour cream or sliced avocado before serving.

Notes

  • Lightly toast tortillas before layering to prevent sogginess during baking.
  • Balance the moisture in the sauce to avoid watery casserole layers.
  • Use sharp cheddar or flavorful cheese blends for added depth and cohesion.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving for cleaner slices and melding of flavors.
  • Distribute layers evenly to avoid dry spots or overly thick areas.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican casserole, layered casserole, tortilla casserole, family dinner, easy Mexican recipe, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://sophiespace.com/layered-mexican-tortilla-casserole/