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Mexican Tortilla Casserole

This comforting Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a hearty layered dish that combines tender tortillas, seasoned meat, melty cheese, and flavorful sauces—a perfect weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Meat and Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey Choose lean beef for richer flavor or turkey for a lighter dish.
  • 1 small onion, chopped Sweet onions soften and add a mellow bite.
  • 1 packet taco seasoning Or use homemade spices if you prefer.
  • 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce This keeps the layers saucy and flavorful.
  • 1 cup salsa Choose chunky salsa for more texture.
Layers and Toppings
  • 6 flour or corn tortillas Flour are softer; corn bring a little more bite.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese Use a melty blend for best results.
  • 1 cup refried beans (optional) They make the casserole creamy and rich.
  • 1/2 cup sour cream Plus extra for topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a round or square baking dish. Set it on a kitchen towel for stability while layering.
Cooking
  1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef or turkey with the chopped onion until fragrant. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Stir in the taco seasoning, enchilada sauce, and salsa. Simmer for about 5 minutes until mixture thickens.
Layering and Baking
  1. Place a tortilla at the bottom of the dish, layer with some of the beef mixture, then add refried beans (if using) and sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers, finishing with cheese on top.
  2. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving
  1. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream and serve warm.

Notes

You can brown the meat ahead of time, then assemble quickly when ready. Warm tortillas briefly to avoid sogginess. For extra flavor, add chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice.