Easy Tortilla Casserole
A hearty, cheesy casserole layered with seasoned ground meat, beans, tortillas, and fresh tomatoes, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet; drain excess fat.
- Spread the cooked meat evenly in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Place 6 corn tortillas on top of the meat layer.
- Spread the baked beans evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle chopped onion over the beans.
- Sprinkle a layer of cheese over the onion.
- Place the remaining 6 corn tortillas on top of the cheese layer.
- Spread the cream of mushroom soup evenly over the tortillas as if icing a cake.
- Slice tomatoes and layer them on top of the soup.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top of the tomato layer.
- Cover the casserole with foil.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to crispen the cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cumin or chili powder into the meat mixture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. You can also use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture. For a creamier consistency, mix sour cream into the cream of mushroom soup. Explore other Mexican recipes for more ideas.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner and pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or guacamole. Serve with tortilla chips for added crunch, or alongside a refreshing pico de gallo. You can also enjoy it with a dollop of sour cream on top. For more ideas, consider browsing other beef recipes for delicious pairings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, but the oven method helps maintain the casserole's texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Tortilla Casserole contains roughly 986 calories, with 29g protein, 88g carbohydrates, and 59g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1390mg per serving (60% 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 assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for even cooking.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the meat mixture for additional flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to cook the vegetables slightly before layering them in to ensure they are tender when the casserole is done.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
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).