Torta Mexican-Style
A hearty Mexican-style layered bread filled with seasoned ground beef, spinach, and cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with bold flavors and comforting textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare hot roll mix according to package directions.
- While bread is rising, prepare ground beef with taco seasoning mix according to package directions.
- Squeeze excess moisture from spinach and combine with cheese.
- Add salt to taste.
- Divide dough into 3 portions and roll each into a 9-inch round.
- Fit one portion into a buttered 9-inch spring-form pan. Spread meat almost to edges of dough.
- Add the second layer of dough and top with spinach mixture.
- Place the last portion of dough on top and cover with a damp cloth.
- Set the Torta in a warm place to rise about 40 minutes until doubled in size.
- Score the top with a sharp knife into 8 pie-shaped wedges.
- Brush the top with beaten egg.
- Bake on the lower rack in a 350°F oven for 40 minutes or until deep golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or use black beans for a vegetarian twist. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapeños to the spinach mixture. For a quicker option, use pre-made pizza dough instead of hot roll mix.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Torta warm, garnished with fresh cilantro or avocado slices for a refreshing touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of Mexican rice or a simple salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside the Fiesta Burrito Casserole for a delightful spread of Mexican recipes that your family will love.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Torta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method will help maintain the texture of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Torta Mexican-Style contains roughly 789 calories, with 26g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), iron (30% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2702mg per serving (117% 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 freeze the Torta?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked Torta. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and follow the baking instructions as usual.
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).