If you’re craving a hearty, flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family, this Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake is just what you need. This deliciously layered dish combines the bold flavors of seasoned ground beef, zesty salsa, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas, all baked to bubbly perfection.
It’s the perfect fusion of Mexican and American comfort food, ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. Not only is it satisfying and filling, but it’s also incredibly versatile—swap in different meats, adjust the spice level, or toss in your favorite veggies. With a crisp golden top and a melty, gooey interior, this bake will quickly become a regular on your dinner rotation. Let’s dive into the ingredients and simple steps to bring this cheesy dream to life.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup tomato salsa (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup canned corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
- 6 medium flour tortillas (cut in halves or quarters for layering)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté chopped onions until they start to turn soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir in salsa, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- If using, add corn and black beans to the meat mixture and stir to combine evenly. Let it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.
- Start layering the bake: Place a layer of tortilla pieces at the bottom of the greased baking dish, covering the surface as best as possible.
- Spread a generous spoonful of the meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by a few dollops of sour cream and a handful of shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layering process (tortillas, meat, sour cream, cheese) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden brown.
- Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.
- Serve warm with extra sour cream, guacamole, or a side salad for a complete meal.
This Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake is the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness, with just the right touch of spice. Whether you’re serving it to guests or enjoying leftovers the next day, it’s a no-fail recipe that delivers on taste and texture every single time.