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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F, creating a warm environment for the casserole to bake to golden perfection.
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and releasing its rich, savory flavors.
- Add diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, sautéing until the onions become translucent and fragrant, enhancing the meat’s depth of flavor.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to coat the beef and onion mixture, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify the overall taste profile.
- Pour in the enchilada sauce, mixing well to create a vibrant, saucy base that will bind the casserole’s ingredients together.
- Layer the crinkle tortillas in a baking dish, creating a crispy foundation that will absorb the rich, spicy sauce and provide textural contrast.
- Spread the seasoned beef mixture evenly over the tortilla layer, ensuring every bite will be packed with robust Tex-Mex flavors.
- Generously sprinkle shredded cheese across the top, creating a melty, golden blanket that will crisp and bubble during baking.
- 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.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to meld together.
- 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