Looking for a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings? This Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake combines the bold flavors of seasoned meat, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas to create a crowd-pleasing dish. With a preparation time of under an hour, it’s an easy yet impressive recipe to add to your repertoire. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet (30 g) taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup (250 ml) tomato sauce or salsa
- 1 cup (250 g) corn (optional)
- 1 cup (250 g) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- 4 large flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat Filling
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet. Cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned.
- Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Season the Meat
- Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the cooked meat. Stir well to coat.
- Add 1 cup of tomato sauce (or salsa) and mix until the sauce is evenly distributed.
- If using corn and black beans, stir them into the mixture. Allow the filling to simmer for 3-5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (9×13-inch works well) with cooking spray or butter.
4. Layer the Bake
- Start by placing one flour tortilla at the bottom of the dish.
- Spread a portion of the meat mixture evenly over the tortilla.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the process, layering tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used. Ensure the topmost layer is covered with cheese for a golden crust.
5. Bake the Dish
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice into portions and serve warm. Pair it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
This Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake is the ultimate comfort food, offering layers of flavor and texture in every bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners, and it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients like bell peppers, jalapeños, or extra cheese. The best part? Leftovers taste just as amazing, making it a meal to look forward to again and again. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite!