This Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake is a cozy dish packed with layers of tortillas, beans, cheese, and zesty salsa. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for sharing with friends or family.
I love how this bake comes together quickly, making it a great weeknight meal. Plus, you can swap in your favorite toppings—who wouldn’t want extra cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Minced Beef or Turkey: While I usually go for lean minced beef, turkey is a great option too. If you’re looking for a vegetarian choice, swap in lentils or cooked quinoa for a hearty texture.
Paprika: The smoked paprika adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, sweet paprika or even chili powder can work too—just adjust the amount if you prefer less heat!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber. If you can’t find black beans, try kidney beans or pinto beans instead. Chickpeas can be a fun twist, too!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are standard here, but corn tortillas can add a unique flavor. If you’re gluten-free, just look for gluten-free tortillas available in stores.
How Can I Make Sure My Tortilla Bake Stays Flavorful and Moist?
The key to a flavorful and moist tortilla bake is layering properly and keeping an eye on the cooking process. Here are some tips:
- Start with a good layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. This prevents the tortillas from getting dry.
- Make sure to cover the tortillas with sauce each time you layer. This helps keep everything juicy.
- Keep an eye on the bake in the oven. Once the cheese is nicely melted and golden brown, it’s ready!
Letting the dish cool slightly before serving allows the layers to set, making it easier to dish out while staying delicious.
Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake Recipe by Mary Berry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 yellow pepper, diced
- 400g (14oz) lean minced beef or turkey
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 small can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 flour tortillas (approximately 8-10 inches in diameter)
- 150g (5oz) grated cheddar or mature cheese
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, to garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake will take you about 15-20 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to bake. Overall, you’ll be enjoying this delicious dish in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) or 180°C if you’re using a fan oven. This ensures your bake will cook evenly once you pop it in the oven.
2. Cooking the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking them gently until softened and fragrant. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Adding the Peppers:
Next, toss in the diced red and yellow peppers. Cook these for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’ve started to soften.
4. Browning the Meat:
Add the lean minced beef or turkey to the pan. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and fully cooked through, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
5. Mixing in Spices:
Once the meat is browned, stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano, allowing the spices to coat the meat and veggies nicely.
6. Adding Tomatoes and Beans:
Now, add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and black beans. Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the mixture simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
7. Layering the Bake:
In a large ovenproof dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Cover this with a flour tortilla, then continue layering the meat sauce and tortillas until all are used, finishing with a tortilla on top.
8. Topping with Cheese:
Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tortillas. This will create a deliciously cheesy, golden crust as it bakes!
9. Baking the Dish:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
10. Finishing Touches:
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish your Mexican Tortilla Bake with fresh coriander leaves before serving warm.
This dish combines the zestiness of Mexican flavors with a comfort-food style bake, making it perfect for an easy family meal or entertaining guests!
FAQ for Easy Mexican Tortilla Bake Recipe
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just cook it until it’s no longer pink, similar to beef or turkey.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the meat with a mix of black beans, lentils, or even mushrooms for added texture and flavor. You can also include more vegetables like zucchini or spinache.
Can I Prepare This Bake in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the layers and assemble the dish up to a day ahead. Just cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Bake it on the day you’re ready to serve; just add a few extra minutes if baking cold from the fridge.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or oven until heated through. You can add a little cheese on top before reheating for an extra cheesy delight!
