Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake Recipe

A hearty and comforting casserole-style dish featuring layers of seasoned ground meat, tortillas, and plenty of cheese. Perfect for a family dinner!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10-12 corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a Mexican blend)  
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)  
• 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for topping)
• Chopped cilantro or green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
   • Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), diced green chilies (if using), chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and half of the Monterey jack cheese. Mix well.
3. Assemble the Bake:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
   • Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the dish.
   • Layer tortillas over the meat, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom.
   • Spread half of the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas.
   • Evenly spread the cream of chicken soup mixture over the meat.
   • Sprinkle one cup of the cheddar cheese over the cream of chicken soup mixture.
   • Layer the remaining tortillas over the cheese.
   • Spread the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the remaining Monterey jack cheese over the top.
4. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are heated through.
5. Serve:
   • Let the bake cool slightly before cutting and serving.
   • If desired, top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or green onions before serving.

Enjoy your delicious cheesy tortilla meat bake!