Fiesta Brunch Casserole
A flavorful and hearty breakfast casserole featuring chili, potatoes, eggs, and cheese baked in tortilla bowls, perfect for a satisfying brunch or weekend treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Spray both halves of each tortilla with cooking spray.
- Place 2 tortillas into each of 2 loaf pans, shaping them into bowls.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the chili. Stir in the potatoes and cook until thoroughly heated.
- Divide the chili mixture among the tortilla bowls.
- Use the back of a spoon to make an indentation in each chili-filled tortilla.
- Break an egg into each indentation.
- Bake for 10 minutes.
- Loosely cover with foil and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until eggs are done.
- Gently remove the tortilla bowls from the pans onto serving plates.
- Top with chopped tomato and green onion.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
- Serve with salsa, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked chorizo or black beans to the chili mixture. You can substitute corn tortillas for flour if you prefer a gluten-free option. If you want to increase the veggie content, bell peppers or jalapeños can be sautéed with the potatoes. Serve alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. This recipe is inspired by classic Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Fiesta Brunch Casserole hot, garnished with additional salsa and avocado slices for a refreshing touch. Pair it with a side of refried beans or a simple green salad to complement the flavors. This dish also goes well with breakfast beverages like a mimosa or a Mexican hot chocolate.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Brunch Casserole contains roughly 1572 calories, with 30g protein, 206g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (59% of the Daily Value), potassium (57% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1447mg per serving (63% 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 the night before. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just use a vegetarian chili to replace the standard chili. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach to enhance the dish. This makes it a great option for anyone looking for vegetarian recipes.
What type of cheese can I use for this recipe?
While shredded cheddar cheese is a popular choice, you can experiment with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or even a Mexican blend for added zest. Feel free to use a dairy-free cheese alternative if you want to keep it vegan.
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).