This easy and delicious casserole features tortillas filled with a flavorful meat and cheese mixture, rolled up, and baked until golden brown and bubbly. It’s a perfect dish for a casual dinner or potluck.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or lamb, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 flour tortillas (6-8 inch)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, etc.)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Assemble the Tortilla Rolls:
- Warm the tortillas slightly in a microwave or skillet to make them more pliable.
- Spread a few tablespoons of the meat filling evenly over each tortilla.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Roll up the tortillas tightly and place them seam-down in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake:
- Pour any remaining meat sauce over the rolled tortillas.
- Sprinkle with any remaining cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.
- Top with sour cream (if using) and extra chopped cilantro, if desired.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the meat filling.
- Spice it Up: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the meat filling for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations: Use different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend.
- Cream Cheese: Add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese to the meat filling for a richer flavor.
- Enchilada Sauce: Use enchilada sauce instead of crushed tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead: You can assemble the tortilla rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Meat-Filled Tortilla Roll-Up Casserole!