Vegetables Mexicali
Vegetables Mexicali is a hearty baked casserole featuring sautéed zucchini, onions, and green peppers layered with eggs, green chilies, and melted Monterey Jack cheese. Creamy sour cream and spices add flavor, making it a satisfying dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings with a blend of Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 3 to 4 medium zucchini (approximately 1 lb.) sliced ⓘ
- 1 medium white onion chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper chopped ⓘ
- 4 eggs slightly beaten ⓘ
- 2 (4 oz.) cans diced green chilies ⓘ
- 6 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet.
- Add sliced zucchini, chopped onion, and chopped green pepper; sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add slightly beaten eggs and stir until barely set.
- Remove skillet from heat; stir in diced green chilies, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin.
- In a small bowl, blend flour and sour cream.
- Arrange half of the tortilla wedges in a shallow 2-quart casserole or 8-inch square baking dish.
- Add half of the vegetable mixture, then half of the sour cream mixture.
- Top with half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat layers ending with cheese on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until bubbly.
- Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the vegetables with a pinch of ground cumin or smoked paprika. If you're out of corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be a suitable substitute. You can also swap the Monterey Jack cheese for other cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste. Make sure to season the egg mixture well to enhance the overall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Vegetables Mexicali with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with a Mock Margarita for a festive touch. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or some Mexican rice. This dish is also great for brunch or a casual gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it's tightly wrapped.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetables Mexicali contains roughly 542 calories, with 9g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (112% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (45% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 735mg per serving (32% 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 use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach based on your preference. Just ensure they are chopped into small pieces so they cook evenly with the zucchini.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add diced jalapeños along with the other vegetables or use spicy diced green chilies. Additionally, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture can provide an extra kick.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vegetable mixture and layer the casserole a day ahead. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply add the cheese on top and bake as directed. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.
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).