Easy Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe – Quick Weeknight Dinner

Introduction

Remember those nights when dinner felt like a marathon? You’re juggling a million things, and the thought of a complicated recipe just adds to the stress. Well, I have a secret weapon for you, and it’s this incredibly delicious and ridiculously easy Mexican Tortilla Casserole! This dish takes me back to cozy family dinners, with its warm, comforting flavors and satisfying layers. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table with happy anticipation, and the best part? It’s so simple, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it a regular in your rotation already.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: Seriously, from start to finish, this comes together in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
• Easy: No fancy techniques needed. Just a little chopping and layering, and your oven does the rest.
• Giftable: Imagine bringing a bubbling casserole to a potluck or a friend’s house. It’s always a hit and shows you care!
• Crowd-pleasing: Even the pickiest eaters in my family devour this. The combination of savory meat, creamy beans, gooey cheese, and soft tortillas is just irresistible.

Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful casserole:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey: Your protein base. I love using turkey for a slightly lighter option, but beef is fantastic too!
• 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a little savory depth. No tears!
• 1 packet taco seasoning: The magic potion that infuses all those classic Mexican flavors.
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce: This is key for that saucy, comforting goodness.
• 1 cup salsa: Pick your favorite – mild, medium, or hot. It adds a little zip!
• 6 flour or corn tortillas: The glorious foundation of our casserole. Flour tortillas give a softer bite, while corn can add a bit more structure.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese: Because who doesn’t love melty, gooey cheese? The more, the merrier!
• 1 cup refried beans (optional): This adds an extra layer of creaminess and makes it super hearty. If you’re not a fan, no worries, it’s still amazing without!
• 1/2 cup sour cream, plus extra for topping: For that cool, tangy contrast that ties everything together.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! You’re just a few simple steps away from pure comfort food bliss.

1. Preheat your oven: First things first, get that oven humming at 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything bakes up perfectly.
2. Brown your meat: Grab a big skillet and cook your ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s all nicely browned and delicious. Drain off any extra grease – we want flavor, not fat!
3. Sauce it up: Now, stir in that taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and salsa. Give it a good mix, bring it to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This is where all those yummy flavors start to meld together.
4. Bean layer (if you’re using them!): If you decided to go with refried beans, spread them out evenly in the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. This is like creating a creamy bed for everything else.
5. Tortilla time: Tear your tortillas into bite-sized pieces. You don’t need to be precise here! Layer half of these tortilla pieces over the refried beans (or directly in the dish if you skipped the beans).
6. Meat magic: Spoon half of your savory meat mixture over the tortilla layer.
7. Cheesy goodness: Sprinkle half of your glorious shredded cheese over the meat. Oh yeah.
8. Cool and creamy dollops: Dot half of your sour cream over the cheese layer. This creates little pockets of tanginess that are pure heaven.
9. Repeat the magic: Now, you’re going to repeat those layers! Add the rest of your tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, the rest of the cheese, and finally, the rest of the sour cream. It’s like building a delicious flavor tower!
10. Bake it ’til it’s bubbly: Pop that beauty into the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for a casserole that’s hot, bubbly, and has that perfectly melted, slightly golden cheese on top.
11. Let it rest: This is the hardest part – waiting! Let the casserole stand for about 5-10 minutes before you dig in. This helps it set up so it’s easier to serve.
12. Serve and enjoy! Dish it up and add a little extra sour cream on top if you’re feeling fancy. You’ve earned it!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is so forgiving and adaptable! Feel free to make it your own:

• Spice it up: Love a little heat? Add a can of diced green chilies to the meat mixture or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Veggie power: Sauté some bell peppers and corn with your onion for extra color and flavor.
• Bean variations: Black beans, either whole or mashed, can be a delicious substitute for refried beans.
• Cheese dreams: Feel free to mix in some Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or even a sprinkle of Cotija cheese for a different flavor profile.
• Chicken it up: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut! Just shred it and mix it into the sauce.

Tips for Success

A few little pointers to make your casserole even more spectacular:

• Don’t overcook the meat: You want it browned, not dried out.
• Drain that grease: This really makes a difference in the final flavor and texture.
• Prep ahead: You can totally assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Tear, don’t cut: Tearing the tortillas creates more rustic edges that soak up the sauce beautifully.

How to Store It

Leftovers are a gift! This casserole tastes even better the next day.

To store: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

To reheat: You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the meat and increase the refried beans to 2 cups. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, corn, or black beans for extra heartiness.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes! Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed. You might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

What kind of tortillas are best?

Either flour or corn tortillas work wonderfully! Flour tortillas tend to be a bit softer and soak up the sauce more, while corn tortillas hold their shape a little better. It’s really a matter of personal preference!

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