Tostadas(Baked Casserole)
Creamy baked casserole layered with seasoned ground beef, cheese, olives, and chilies, perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings with bold flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef.
- Add the taco mix and water and simmer until the liquid evaporates.
- Stir in the refried beans and tomato sauce and heat through.
- Place a tortilla in your baking dish and spread with meat sauce.
- Sprinkle with black olives, green onions, grated cheese, and Ortega chilies to taste.
- Repeat layers until the meat sauce is used up or the dish is full, usually 3-4 layers.
- Spread butter on the top tortilla and bake at 350°F until the top is browned.
- Serve with toppings like salsa, chopped tomato, lettuce, avocado slices, and sour cream or your favorites.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some diced bell peppers or corn with the beef. If you're looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. You can also use low-fat cheese and whole wheat tortillas to lighten the dish. To make it vegetarian, swap the meat for additional beans or lentils. This recipe is versatile, similar to a Tex-Mex Tortilla Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked tostadas hot from the oven with a variety of toppings like fresh salsa, chopped tomatoes, and avocado slices. A side of Mild Spanish Rice complements the dish well and adds a hearty touch. You can also serve with your favorite salad or guacamole for a complete meal. This dish is great for gatherings, just like Mother'S Stacked Green Enchiladas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tostadas in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, but the oven method will keep the texture crispier.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tostadas(Baked Casserole) contains roughly 248 calories, with 3g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1785mg per serving (78% 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 prepare the tostadas in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the layers of the tostadas a day ahead. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
What can I use instead of refried beans?
If you don’t have refried beans, you can use black beans or pinto beans. Just mash them up slightly before layering to mimic the texture of refried beans. This keeps the dish authentic while giving it a slightly different flavor profile.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, you can include diced jalapeños or use hot taco seasoning. Additionally, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes between the layers or serve with a spicy salsa on the side. Customize the spice level to suit your taste!
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).