Chili Tortilla Casserole
A hearty and flavorful casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, corn, olives, and melted cheese, layered with crispy tortillas. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck, this dish offers bold Tex-Mex flavors with easy assembly and baking, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili sauce mix. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the canned corn and pitted ripe olives.
- Cut the tortillas in half or quarters according to the size of your casserole dish.
- Layer the tortillas and the meat mixture in a casserole bowl, ending with a layer of tortillas.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the top and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes.
- After baking, garnish with shredded lettuce and sliced avocado.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker version, you can use pre-cooked ground beef or substitute with turkey or a plant-based meat alternative. To enhance flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika. If you want a spicier kick, mix in diced jalapeños or use a spicier chili sauce mix. This recipe is quite versatile and can be adapted to fit various Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chili Tortilla Casserole with a side of Mexican Jalapeno Cornbread for a complete meal. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some homemade guacamole. For a festive touch, consider adding crushed tortilla chips on top before serving for extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will keep the tortilla crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chili Tortilla Casserole contains roughly 854 calories, with 43g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 61g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (87% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (63% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 724mg per serving (31% 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 without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake it at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a healthier or vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring the meat is fully cooked before proceeding with the recipe.
Can I freeze the casserole?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from frozen.
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).