by: admindz

Mexican tortilla casserole

Mexican tortilla casserole

If you’re like me, you probably have one of those recipes that just feels like a big, warm hug after a long day. This Mexican tortilla casserole is exactly that – layers of soft tortillas, melty cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and spiced beef all baked together into gooey, savory perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents and brings everyone to the table with hungry smiles. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser that’s super easy to whip up on a weeknight when you want something comforting but exciting. Bonus? Leftovers are almost better the next day. Trust me, you’re going to love how simple and satisfying this one is!

Quick Facts

  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 large flour tortillas (8-inch size)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil

For the Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Avocado slices or guacamole

How I Make It

Step 1:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Then toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Now, add the ground beef, breaking it up with your spoon or spatula. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 2:

To the beef, stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes so all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3:

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place one flour tortilla as the base, then layer about one-third of the meat mixture over it. Sprinkle a mix of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously on top. Repeat the tortilla, meat, and cheese layers two more times, finishing with a nice cheese layer on top.

Step 4:

Cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake another 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

Step 5:

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing to help it set up nicely. This step makes serving easier and keeps everything from falling apart.

Step 6:

Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado slices – whatever you love! Serve straight from the dish for that homey, comforting vibe.

Variations & Tips

  • Swap ground beef for shredded chicken or ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a more authentic texture and a gluten-free twist.
  • Add black beans or corn kernels to the meat mixture for extra texture and nutrition.
  • Boost the heat with extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
  • For a vegetarian take, skip the meat and load up on veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
  • If your sauce feels too watery, simmer it a little longer before layering to avoid soggy tortillas.

How I Like to Serve It

This casserole shines at casual family dinners or potlucks, especially in the cooler months when you want something warm and hearty. Pair it with a simple side salad or Mexican rice to complete the meal. On Taco Tuesdays, it’s a great twist when you’re tired of taco shells but still craving all those classic flavors.

Notes

  • Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
  • If you want to prep ahead, assemble the casserole a day before and bake fresh when ready to eat.

Closing: This Mexican tortilla casserole is one of those recipes that always turns out just right—comforting, cheesy, and bursting with flavor every single time. You’re going to want to keep it in your regular rotation!