If you are craving a comforting dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and hearty textures, the Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This layered casserole brings together tender corn tortillas, savory spiced meat, creamy beans, sweet corn, and melted cheddar cheese in a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Every bite offers a warm, satisfying hug of southwestern goodness, making it an absolute favorite to keep in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Each one plays a role in building layers of flavor, from the spices that deliver a subtle kick to the tortillas that add a delightful texture and body to the casserole.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing onions and garlic, adding richness without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Large onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and savory foundation that enhances the depth of the dish.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant punch that lifts the overall flavor profile.
- Ground beef or turkey: Your protein choice; beef delivers classic richness while turkey offers a leaner alternative without sacrificing taste.
- Ground cumin: Brings warmth and an earthy aroma essential to southwestern cuisine.
- Chili powder: Introduces gentle heat and complexity to the meat mixture.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and vibrant color to the filling.
- Salt: Balances and enhances every flavor.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle bite to complement the spices.
- Black beans: Creamy and hearty, they add protein and fiber with a velvety texture.
- Corn kernels: Sweet bursts of flavor that bring brightness and texture.
- Diced tomatoes: Provide acidity and a fresh, juicy component to keep things lively.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a saucy layer that binds everything together with rich tomato goodness.
- Diced green chiles: A mild kick and a touch of zest that energizes the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully to crown each layer with gooey, golden indulgence.
- Corn tortillas, cut into quarters: The star base to soak up all the flavors while adding a delightful chew.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh herb finish to brighten and lift the final dish.
How to Make Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sauté Vegetables
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which ensures it will be perfectly heated for baking your casserole later. While the oven warms up, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them cook gently until the onions turn translucent—this step softens the veggies and releases their sweet aroma, setting the stage for layered flavors.
Step 2: Brown Your Meat
Add your choice of ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the softened onion and garlic. Breaking the meat apart as it cooks helps it brown evenly and absorb the aromas from the pan. Cook fully until the meat loses its raw pink color and develops a nice caramelization, adding depth to the dish.
Step 3: Season with Spices
Sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, stirring thoroughly to coat the meat in a vibrant blend of spices. This mix is what brings the signature southwestern taste that makes this Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe so irresistible.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans, Vegetables, and Sauce
To your spiced meat mixture, add the black beans, corn kernels, drained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chiles. Stir everything until well combined and allow the skillet to simmer for about five minutes. This simmer softens the ingredients and melds the flavors into one harmonious filling.
Step 5: Layer the Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for assembly. Lay half of the corn tortilla quarters on the bottom, creating a base that will soak up all the delicious juices. Next, evenly spread half of your meat and bean mixture over the tortillas, then top with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese to form two sturdy, flavorful layers.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This initial baking step helps meld the layers together and heats the dish through evenly. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the cheese on top to bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown.
How to Serve Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
When serving your Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe, sprinkling fresh chopped cilantro over the top adds a burst of color and herbaceous brightness that perfectly contrasts the rich layers. For an extra touch, consider dolloping sour cream or slicing ripe avocado to add creaminess and coolness to each hearty serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a light lime vinaigrette or Mexican-style rice for a complete southwestern feast. Refried beans or a fresh corn and tomato salad also complement the flavors beautifully and round out the meal with textural variety.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve this casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style feel. If you’re looking to impress guests, portion it out on individual plates and drizzle a tangy chipotle sauce over the top. Another fun way is to fill small ramekins or baking dishes for individual servings, making it easy for everyone to savor their own personalized portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store your Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy those comforting flavors again without any fuss.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. After baking and cooling completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap the entire dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for a quicker option, but be sure to cover to prevent drying out and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas give a classic texture and flavor, flour tortillas can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just note that flour tortillas are softer and might make the casserole a bit lighter in texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground meat and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian version that’s just as hearty and satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
You sure can! Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it according to the recipe instructions, just add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and complements the flavors perfectly, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or a Mexican blend to customize your casserole.
How spicy is this Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe?
This dish carries a moderate spice level from the chili powder and green chiles, which provide warmth without overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust by using mild or hot chiles according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
The Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines ease, comfort, and incredible southwestern flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this casserole promises to become a cherished go-to meal. So grab your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to savor the satisfying warmth and festive spirit of this delicious dish.
Print
Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 25m
- Cook Time: 0h 55m
- Total Time: 1h 20m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines seasoned ground beef or turkey with black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and green chiles layered with corn tortillas and melted cheddar cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Canned Goods
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
Other
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 small corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Meat: Stir in ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly season the meat mixture.
- Add Beans and Vegetables: Incorporate the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced green chiles into the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients and let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the quartered corn tortillas evenly on the bottom of the dish.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread half of the meat and bean mixture over the tortilla layer. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the meat mixture.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining tortilla pieces on top, followed by the rest of the meat mixture and cheddar cheese.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust spices according to your heat preference; add cayenne pepper for extra kick.
- Fresh cilantro on top before serving adds a burst of freshness.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
- Can be made ahead and refrigerated; bake longer if cooking from cold.
