Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Savor the Fiesta: Crafting a Flavorful Mexican Tortilla Casserole

Embark on a culinary journey south of the border with our guide to creating the delectable Mexican Tortilla Casserole. This vibrant dish is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring layers of tortillas, savory meat, zesty salsa, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, this casserole captures the essence of Mexican cuisine in each delicious bite. Join us as we explore the ingredients, unravel step-by-step instructions, share insightful cook notes for culinary finesse, present tempting variations to suit diverse palates, and unveil keto and low-carb adaptations for those mindful of their carb intake. Get ready to infuse your kitchen with the spirit of Mexico and savor the fiesta with Mexican Tortilla Casserole.

Ingredients:

For the Casserole Layers:

  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 cup enchilada sauce
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Casserole Assembly:

  • 10-12 small corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Casserole Layers

  1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or turkey over medium heat.
  2. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
  3. Stir in black beans, corn kernels, diced tomatoes with green chilies, enchilada sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Assembling the Casserole

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat and vegetable mixture.
  3. Place a layer of small corn tortillas over the mixture, covering it completely.
  4. Add a portion of the shredded Mexican cheese blend on top of the tortillas.
  5. Repeat the layers – meat and vegetable mixture, tortillas, and cheese – until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

Step 3: Baking the Mexican Tortilla Casserole

  1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.
  2. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and develop a golden crust.

Step 4: Serving the Casserole

  1. Once baked, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing.
  2. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 5: Enjoying the Fiesta

  1. Serve the Mexican Tortilla Casserole hot, with optional toppings like sour cream or guacamole.
  2. Revel in the fiesta of flavors as you savor each layer of this vibrant and satisfying dish.

Cook Notes and Variations:

  • Protein Variation: Experiment with different proteins such as shredded chicken, chorizo, or even a meatless version with extra beans and vegetables.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Omit the meat altogether and increase the quantity of beans and vegetables for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
  • Layered Freshness: Add a layer of thinly sliced tomatoes, avocados, or even spinach between the tortillas for added freshness.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version:

  • Cheese Crust: Allow the cheese to form a golden crust on top for added texture and flavor.
  • Cauliflower Tortillas: Replace corn tortillas with keto-friendly alternatives made from cauliflower for a lower-carb option.
  • Avocado Garnish: Top the casserole with slices of creamy avocado to enhance the richness.

Low-Carb Version:

  • Zucchini Ribbons: Substitute tortillas with thin zucchini ribbons for a low-carb, vegetable-based layer.
  • Lean Protein Focus: Opt for leaner meats or additional vegetables to reduce the overall fat content.
  • Tomatillo Sauce: Replace the enchilada sauce with a tomatillo-based salsa for a lower-carb alternative.

As we bring our culinary journey through the creation of Mexican Tortilla Casserole to a close, take a moment to revel in the layers of flavor and the festive spirit this dish brings to your table. Whether you follow the classic recipe, explore tempting variations, or opt for keto and low-carb adaptations, each forkful is a celebration of the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine.

Share this vibrant casserole with friends and family, serve it at potlucks, or savor it as a comforting weeknight meal. Mexican Tortilla Casserole encapsulates the joy of a fiesta in a single dish, bringing people together with its bold flavors. So, preheat your oven, gather the ingredients, and let the aroma of a Mexican fiesta fill your kitchen with the warmth and satisfaction of this delightful casserole.