Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner! This dish combines the flavors of seasoned ground meat, melted cheese, and tortillas, baked into a comforting casserole.
Ingredients:
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Ground beef or turkey – 1 lb (or your choice of ground meat)
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Tortillas – 6-8 (flour or corn, depending on preference)
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Cheddar cheese – 1 1/2 cups, shredded (you can also use a Mexican blend)
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Cream of mushroom soup – 1 can (10.5 oz) or cream of chicken soup (for a lighter option)
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Sour cream – 1/2 cup
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Tomato sauce – 1/2 cup
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Taco seasoning – 1 packet (or use homemade)
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Onion – 1 small, chopped
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Green chilies – 1 can (4 oz), optional for extra flavor
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Garlic powder – 1 tsp
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Cumin – 1/2 tsp
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Salt & pepper – to taste
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Olive oil – 1 tbsp (for cooking the meat)
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Fresh cilantro – for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Meat:
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until soft.
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Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes.
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Stir in the taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato sauce and green chilies (if using), and cook for another 3-5 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
2. Prepare the Tortillas:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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While the meat is cooking, lightly warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds so they are more pliable. Cut them into halves or quarters (depending on your preferred layer size) to fit in your baking dish.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Begin by layering the bottom of the dish with some tortilla pieces.
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Spread a layer of the meat mixture on top of the tortillas.
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Spoon a generous amount of cream of mushroom or chicken soup on top of the meat layer, spreading it out evenly.
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Add a few spoonfuls of sour cream on top, then sprinkle with cheddar cheese.
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Repeat the layers with tortillas, meat mixture, soup, sour cream, and cheese until you run out of ingredients, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
4. Bake:
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Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
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After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
5. Serve:
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Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
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Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a simple salad.
Enjoy Your Cheesy Tortilla Meat Bake!
This cheesy casserole is hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a crowd or your family. You can also customize it with your favorite toppings like jalapeños, olives, or a drizzle of sour cream. Enjoy!