Meat And Cheese Tortillas
Flavorful meat and cheese tortillas filled with seasoned ground beef, cottage cheese, and vegetables, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal suitable for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef chuck
- 16 oz. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 16 oz. Italian cooking sauce ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sliced pitted olives ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/8 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- few drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 12 7-inch flour tortillas ⓘ
- 4 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- hot sauce (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook ground beef until brown and crumbly; drain.
- Combine meat, cottage cheese, 1/2 cup Italian sauce, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, sliced olives, and flour.
- Season and mix well.
- Warm the tortillas and spoon the meat mixture onto each.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Optional: add hot sauce to taste, then roll up and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider blending the cottage cheese until smooth before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, or use a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian option. Adding a teaspoon of cumin can enhance the flavor profile. This dish is reminiscent of similar Mexican recipes like Quick Taco Pie or Soft Taco Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these meat and cheese tortillas with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for added flavor. A simple green salad can complement the meal nicely. For a hearty addition, consider pairing it with refried beans or Spanish rice, which enhances the overall experience. This dish also goes well with hot sauce for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat and cheese tortillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes, but the oven will keep the tortillas crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Meat And Cheese Tortillas contains roughly 974 calories, with 70g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 47g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (139% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (87% of the Daily Value), and iron (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 828mg per serving (36% 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 the meat and cheese tortillas ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up before filling the tortillas. You can also assemble the tortillas and freeze them for later. Just ensure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Reheat in the oven for best results.
What can I use instead of flour tortillas?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps. Just make sure to warm them slightly before filling to prevent cracking. Additionally, lettuce wraps can be a refreshing low-carb alternative that pairs well with the filling.
What other cheeses can I use in this recipe?
You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with shredded cheddar, pepper jack for a spicy kick, or even crumbled feta for a unique twist. Each cheese will add a different flavor profile, enhancing your dish according to your taste preferences.
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).