Mexican Tortilla Casserole

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

• In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the meat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
• Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with chilies, and black beans. Let this simmer on low for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together.

2. Prepare the Tortillas:

• While the beef mixture is simmering, cut your corn tortillas into halves or quarters. You want pieces that are easy to layer, so aim for roughly 4-6 inch sections.
• Optionally, you can lightly fry the tortilla pieces in a hot skillet with a small amount of oil to make them crispier, but this is not necessary if you’re looking for a quicker option. Soft tortillas work just as well for a more tender casserole.

3. Assemble the Casserole:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the beef and bean mixture along the bottom.
• Layer tortilla pieces on top, followed by more of the beef mixture and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
• Repeat this layering process, using the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese. Make sure the final layer is cheese on top, creating a gooey, cheesy crust when baked.

4. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps the casserole heat through and the flavors to meld together.
• After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is golden brown around the edges.

5. Serve:

• Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving, so it firms up and is easier to cut into portions.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, and sliced jalapeños on the side for added flavor and garnish.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Tortilla Casserole:

• Add more veggies: If you’d like to bulk up the casserole with extra veggies, try adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture.
• Spice it up: Adjust the heat level to your taste. Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture, or sprinkle extra chili powder or cayenne pepper between the layers.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free corn tortillas, or opt for flour tortillas if preferred (though corn tortillas are more traditional for this dish).
• Vegetarian version: Skip the meat and use extra black beans, refried beans, or even a mix of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole:

• Easy to prepare: With minimal prep and just one pan to clean, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a family meal.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to suit dietary preferences, whether you’re vegetarian, gluten-free, or just want to use up whatever ingredients you have in your pantry.
• Comforting and filling: This casserole is loaded with flavor and offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and cheese. Plus, the melted cheese on top creates a gooey, irresistible finish.

Conclusion:

Mexican Tortilla Casserole is an easy and satisfying dish that brings together all the best flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both customizable and guaranteed to be a hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing a meal for the week, this casserole will become a go-to recipe in your rotation. Pair it with a simple side salad, guacamole, or tortilla chips for the ultimate Tex-Mex feast. Enjoy!