Tortilla-Bean Casserole
A hearty casserole featuring seasoned tomatoes, beans, and melted cheese layered with tortillas, perfect for a flavorful and filling Mexican-inspired meal for family or friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cut up tomatoes with juice.
- Add picante sauce, chopped onion, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, and ground cumin.
- Bring to a boil; then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add red kidney beans (or Great Northern beans as a substitute).
- Layer the bean mixture with corn tortillas and shredded cheese in a casserole dish.
- Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding diced jalapenos or substituting with spicy picante sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply use the red kidney beans or replace them with black beans. You can also experiment with different types of cheese; pepper jack would add a nice flavor. Make sure to cut the corn tortillas into strips for easier layering.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh salad or a side of Mexican rice. For an extra crunch, serve with tortilla chips or a dollop of sour cream on top. You can also complement it with a side of Fresh Chili Salsa to enhance the flavors. It's perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla-Bean Casserole contains roughly 1504 calories, with 74g protein, 127g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and protein (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2288mg per serving (99% 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 casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Layer the ingredients in the dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, remove it from the fridge and bake it directly, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats through.
What can I use instead of corn tortillas?
If you don't have corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be a good substitute, though they will change the texture slightly. Alternatively, you can use crushed tortilla chips for a layered effect or even serve the bean mixture over rice for a different take on this dish.
Is this casserole suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Tortilla-Bean Casserole is already vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure that the picante sauce and cheese you use do not contain animal rennet if you want to keep it vegetarian. You can also explore vegan recipes by using plant-based cheese and ensuring all other ingredients are vegan.
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).