Fold-Over Tortilla Beef Bake
Fold-Over Tortilla Beef Bake is a flavorful, cheesy casserole combining seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, and melted Monterey Jack, perfect for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and chopped onions until the meat is browned; drain off excess fat.
- Stir in stewed tomatoes, enchilada sauce, cumin, salt, pepper, and diced green chili peppers.
- Cover and simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.
- Pour half of the meat sauce into a large, flat baking pan.
- Spread a tortilla with softened cream cheese, fold it over, and arrange on top of the meat mixture.
- Pour the remaining meat sauce over the assembled tortillas.
- Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until hot through and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground turkey. If you're short on time, you can substitute the stewed tomatoes with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount of cumin and chili peppers to suit your taste. This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen, then baked when needed. Also, consider adding black beans for extra protein.
Serving Suggestions
This Fold-Over Tortilla Beef Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal. You can top it with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness. Consider serving it alongside corn or tortilla chips for a fun, casual dining experience. For a different twist, try serving it with the flavors of Eight Layer Taco Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or rewarm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. You can also freeze the assembled dish before baking for a quick meal later. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fold-Over Tortilla Beef Bake contains roughly 517 calories, with 25g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and calcium (86% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1369mg 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 use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Monterey Jack cheese melts beautifully, you can substitute it with cheddar, pepper jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the cheese's melting properties to ensure a creamy topping.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with a mixture of cooked lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Add in extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to enhance the flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider increasing the amount of diced green chili peppers or adding jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes or use a spicier enchilada sauce. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly to maintain balance.
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).