Cheese And Tortilla Casserole
A cheesy, flavorful casserole combining tender tortillas, melted Monterrey Jack, and green chilies, perfect for a comforting family meal or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 c. onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic, minced ⓘ
- 12 corn tortillas, torn into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- 2 c. shredded Monterrey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 2 (4 1/2 oz.) cans chopped green chilies
- 4 large eggs
- 2 c. buttermilk or sour milk ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground pepper ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in buttermilk or sour milk, salt, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
- Tear the corn tortillas into 1-inch pieces and add to the skillet with the onion mixture, stirring to combine.
- Spread half of the tortilla mixture in a greased 2-quart baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the shredded Monterrey Jack cheese and chopped green chilies over the layer.
- Repeat with remaining tortilla mixture, cheese, and chilies.
- Pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients.
- Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is set.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the egg mixture. You can substitute flour tortillas for corn tortillas if desired, though the flavor will differ. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This casserole is versatile; feel free to incorporate other ingredients like black beans or corn to customize it to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cheese and Tortilla Casserole with a fresh side salad or guacamole for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Mexican Quiche On Chips for an exciting brunch spread. You can also offer toppings such as diced tomatoes, cilantro, or avocado for guests to customize their servings.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese And Tortilla Casserole contains roughly 1328 calories, with 46g protein, 185g carbohydrates, and 63g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and protein (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 951mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be coming from the fridge.
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Cheese and Tortilla Casserole is a vegetarian-friendly dish. It contains no meat and can be easily modified to include additional vegetables, making it a great option for those following vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).