Indulge in a mouthwatering comfort dish with this Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake, a layered casserole-style meal that’s rich in flavor and irresistibly cheesy. Combining seasoned ground meat, soft flour tortillas, vibrant vegetables, and a generous topping of melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or anytime you crave a hearty homemade meal.
Simple to prepare and sure to impress, this bake brings together Tex-Mex flair with a creamy, satisfying finish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals ahead of time, this dish delivers bold taste and wholesome satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 cup bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), chopped
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juice)
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce or salsa
– 1 cup canned corn kernels, drained
– 6 medium flour tortillas
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup sour cream (optional)
– Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your dish is assembled.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
- Once the meat is browned, drain excess fat if necessary, then stir in cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the meat evenly in spices.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce (or salsa), and corn. Stir everything together and simmer for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch (or similar-sized) baking dish with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Place two tortillas on the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping to cover the surface.
- Spread a third of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle a mix of cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the meat layer.
- Repeat the layers: two more tortillas, another third of meat, and more cheese.
- Add the final two tortillas on top, cover with the remaining meat mixture, and finish with a generous layer of cheese.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the bake rest for about 5–10 minutes to allow it to set slightly, making it easier to slice.
- If desired, top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or green onions for added flavor and presentation.
- Slice into squares and serve warm with a side salad or tortilla chips for a complete meal.