Layered Tortilla Bake
A hearty layered tortilla bake combining seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese, perfect for satisfying family dinners and casual gatherings with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb very lean ground beef
- 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 oz can Italian Classics Kitchen Cut Roma tomatoes with basil
- 4 oz chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 1 package McCormicks 30% less sodium Taco seasoning
- 10 oz package corn tortillas (12, 6 inch tortillas) ⓘ
- 4 oz shredded low-fat cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Brown the ground beef in a large nonstick skillet; drain well.
- Mix in the drained beans, tomatoes, chopped green chiles, and taco seasoning; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut the corn tortillas in half and place half of them in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping.
- Spoon half of the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Layer with the remaining tortillas and then the remaining beef mixture.
- Sprinkle the shredded low-fat cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the beef mixture while cooking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you're short on time, use store-bought taco seasoning instead of McCormick's. To make it spicier, add jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. This recipe also works well with corn tortillas instead of flour.
Serving Suggestions
This layered tortilla bake is delightful served with a side of guacamole or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. For added flavor, top each serving with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions. It pairs beautifully with Mexican recipes like Salsa Stuffed Peppers or Taco Ranch Stew for a festive dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the layered tortilla bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Layered Tortilla Bake contains roughly 132 calories, with 7g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is a good source of protein (15% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the layered tortilla bake ahead of time. Assemble the dish and cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze the layered tortilla bake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled but unbaked tortilla bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adjusting the time as needed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you prefer a different protein, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work well in this recipe. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether and increasing the beans and vegetables for a hearty, satisfying meal.
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).