Texas Tortilla Bake
A hearty Tex-Mex casserole featuring ground beef, cheese, green chiles, and crispy tortilla chips, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 1 (14 1/2 oz) can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz) can mild enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 (16 oz) loaf process cheese spread ⓘ
- 2 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp pepper ⓘ
- 2 c crushed tortilla chips ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz) package cream cheese ⓘ
- 8 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles ⓘ
- 1 c shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown ground beef and chopped onion in a large skillet or Dutch oven, stirring until the meat crumbles.
- Drain excess fat from the skillet.
- Stir in Mexican-style stewed tomatoes, ground cumin, salt, pepper, and enchilada sauce; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese melts.
- Set the beef mixture aside.
- Place crushed tortilla chips in a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Spoon two-thirds of the beef mixture over the tortilla chips.
- Spread softened cream cheese evenly on one side of each flour tortilla and sprinkle with chopped green chiles.
- Fold the tortillas in half and arrange them on top of the beef mixture.
- Spoon the remaining beef mixture over the tortillas and cover the dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
- Uncover the dish and sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using diced bell peppers or black olives in the beef mixture. If you prefer a spicier kick, swap the mild enchilada sauce for a hot version. You can replace the process cheese spread with shredded cheese for a different texture. Always taste the beef mixture for seasoning before assembling.
Serving Suggestions
This Texas Tortilla Bake pairs beautifully with a side of fresh guacamole or a simple green salad for a complete meal. For extra crunch, serve with additional crushed tortilla chips on the side. A dollop of sour cream or salsa can also enhance the flavors. For more delicious ideas, browse other Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Tortilla Bake contains roughly 325 calories, with 10g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (54% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1454mg 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 dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze the Texas Tortilla Bake?
Absolutely! After assembling, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking, and adjust the baking time as needed.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey or chicken works well as a leaner alternative to ground beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or lentils seasoned with taco spices to maintain the dish's flavor profile.
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).