Make-Ahead Magic: Cozy Tortilla Casserole Recipe

Tucking into a hearty tortilla casserole might become your new weekend comfort ritual.

Layers of cheesy goodness promise a delightful dining experience.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Crispy tortillas meld seamlessly with savory fillings in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet impressive meal.

Home cooks rejoice in the easy preparation and guaranteed smiles around the table.

Hunger will definitely call you toward this irresistible culinary creation.

Crinkle Tortilla Casserole That’s Bold and Satisfying

• Whip Up Fast Family Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole comes together in under 45 minutes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken or make it vegetarian by using black beans, allowing flexible meal preparation for different tastes and dietary needs.
• Kid-Approved Comfort: Packed with cheesy goodness and mild spices, children will love this hearty dish that transforms traditional tortillas into a crowd-pleasing casserole.
• Budget-Friendly Dinner: Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, tortillas, and pantry staples, this recipe provides a delicious meal without breaking the bank.

Tex-Mex Filling for Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein base for the casserole, choose lean ground beef for less fat and better texture.
• Shredded Chicken: Alternative protein option that adds lighter flavor and tender meat.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides creamy richness and classic Tex-Mex flavor, use freshly shredded for best melting.
• Sour Cream: Adds tangy coolness and smooth texture to balance the spicy elements.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas create the casserole's structure and absorb delicious flavors, choose fresh and pliable tortillas.
• Onions: Sweet and aromatic base that adds depth to the meat mixture, white or yellow onions work best.
• Green Chiles: Mild and slightly spicy peppers that contribute authentic southwestern taste.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides bright, clean flavor and classic Mexican garnish.
• Taco Seasoning: Blend of spices that gives robust and authentic southwestern taste to the meat.
• Garlic: Intensely flavored aromatics that enhance overall dish complexity.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance other flavors.

Tortilla Casserole Tex-Mex Layers

Step 1: Brown the Savory Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat turns completely brown and develops a rich, appetizing color.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 2: Spice Up the Meat Mixture

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly and let the spices dance together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 3: Create the Zesty Sauce

• Tomato sauce
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth
• Mild green chilies

Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a rich sauce that will bring moisture and tang to the casserole.

Step 4: Prepare the Tortilla Layers

Gently crinkle corn tortillas into loose, wavy shapes.

This technique will add texture and create beautiful peaks and valleys in your casserole.

Step 5: Assemble the Layered Casserole

• Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom
• Add a layer of crinkled tortillas
• Sprinkle cooked ground beef
• Pour more sauce
• Generously top with shredded cheese

Repeat these layers until you’ve used all ingredients, ending with a generous cheese topping.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Place the casserole in a preheated oven.

Bake until the cheese melts completely and turns golden brown with crispy edges.

The top should look irresistibly bubbling and slightly crisp.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven.

This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Casserole Tips for Tex-Mex Crinkle Tortilla Flavor

• Select ground beef with lower fat content (85/15 or 90/10) to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole lighter.
• Slightly overlap tortilla layers to create delicious crispy edges and prevent soggy spots in the casserole.
• Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot salsa, or mix different types to customize the flavor intensity.
• Sprinkle cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to achieve perfect golden-brown and bubbly cheese topping.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal.

Crinkle Tortilla Casserole Storage

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through completely.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Tex-Mex Complements for Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

• Pair with Zesty Margarita: Blend tangy lime juice, tequila, and triple sec for a refreshing cocktail that cuts through the casserole's richness and complements its bold Tex-Mex flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Mexican Lager: Choose a light, cold beer like Modelo or Dos Equis to balance the hearty, spicy dish and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Fresh Cilantro Lime Slaw: Create a bright, crunchy side salad with shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt to add freshness and contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole.
• Enhance with Cool Avocado Crema: Whip up a smooth, creamy sauce using ripe avocados, sour cream, lime juice, and a pinch of salt to provide a cooling counterpoint to the spicy, baked casserole.

Crinkle Tortilla Casserole Tex-Mex Twists

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute tortillas with thin zucchini slices or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese, and select a non-dairy sour cream substitute.

FAQs

• What makes crinkle tortilla casserole different from other Mexican casseroles?

This dish uses crinkled tortillas that create a unique texture and crispy edges, giving it a distinctive layered appearance compared to traditional flat layered casseroles.

• Can I use different meats instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives for a different protein option.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate spice levels, but you can easily adjust the heat by choosing mild or hot salsa, adding more or less chili powder, or incorporating jalapeños according to your preference.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this casserole?

No special equipment is required – just a standard baking dish, skillet for cooking meat, and basic kitchen utensils like a spatula and knife will work perfectly for preparing this comforting Tex-Mex dish.

Tortilla Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crinkle tortilla casserole brings together layers of cheesy goodness and bold Tex-Mex flavors in one irresistible dish. Hearty and satisfying, this meal offers a perfect balance of crispy tortillas, melted cheese, and zesty seasonings that draw diners into a culinary celebration.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey)

Tortillas and Base:

• 10 small corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces:

• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) tomato sauce (or enchilada sauce)

Cheeses:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Garnishes:

• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating a warm environment for the casserole to bake to golden perfection.
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and releasing its rich, savory flavors.
3. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, enhancing the meat’s depth of flavor.
4. Incorporate taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to coat the beef and onion mixture, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify the overall taste profile.
5. Pour in the enchilada sauce, mixing well to create a vibrant, saucy base that will bind the casserole’s ingredients together.
6. Layer the crinkle tortillas in a baking dish, creating a crispy foundation that will absorb the rich, spicy sauce and provide textural contrast.
7. Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, ensuring every bite will be packed with robust Tex-Mex flavors.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a melty, golden blanket that will crisp and bubble during baking.
9. Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
11. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before serving, adding a fresh and creamy finish to this comforting Tex-Mex dish.

Notes

• Pre-season ground beef with additional spices like smoked paprika or chipotle powder for deeper flavor complexity.
• Drain excess fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy casserole texture and ensure a cleaner taste profile.
• Consider using lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a healthier protein option that maintains the dish’s hearty character.
• Gently break up meat while cooking to create uniform, small crumbles that distribute evenly throughout the casserole layers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg