Tortilla Pie
A hearty, cheesy tortilla pie packed with seasoned ground turkey, spinach, and green chilies. This layered casserole offers bold flavors and a satisfying texture, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests who enjoy a flavorful, comforting dish with a Mexican-inspired twist.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. ground turkey ⓘ
- 8 (6-inch) tortillas ⓘ
- 10 oz. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 2 small cans chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 3 Tbsp. plain bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 cup cottage cheese ⓘ
- 3 oz. shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the thawed and drained chopped spinach with cottage cheese and set aside.
- Brown the ground turkey with chopped onion and minced garlic in a skillet.
- Add chopped green chilies, tomato sauce, bread crumbs, chili powder, and cumin to the browned turkey mixture.
- Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
- Layer in a 13 x 9-inch pan: place tortillas, then spread 1/3 of the meat mixture, followed by 1/3 of the spinach and cottage cheese mixture, and 1/3 of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Tortilla Pie, consider adding some black beans or corn to the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition. You can also substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef or chicken if preferred. For a spicier kick, incorporate some diced jalapeños or use spicy green chilies. This dish is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste, similar to other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Tortilla Pie with a side of fresh guacamole or a crisp green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Rolled Mexican Omelet for brunch or as a hearty dinner option. Consider offering sour cream or salsa on the side for added flavor. This dish is great for entertaining and can be cut into smaller pieces for appetizers.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Tortilla Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick reheating, but the oven will keep the tortilla crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortilla Pie contains roughly 604 calories, with 31g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (80% of the Daily Value), and protein (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 853mg per serving (37% 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 Tortilla Pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Tortilla Pie a day in advance. Assemble the layers in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze Tortilla Pie?
Absolutely! You can freeze Tortilla Pie before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the layers and wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To bake from frozen, add an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. If already baked, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as instructed.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you're looking for a substitute for cottage cheese, ricotta cheese works well due to its similar texture. You can also use Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor slightly. For a dairy-free version, try silken tofu blended until smooth as an alternative.
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).