Skip to main content

Tortilla Casserole

Warm and cheesy meal with bright salsa and fresh cilantro.
Cooking for a Crowd

Cooking for a Crowd

Use these recipe sheets to prepare for larger groups:

Saucy casserole slice on a plate.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Makes: 12 wedges
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

1 cup medium salsa (try Food Hero's Salsa Roja or Salsa Verde)
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained (or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed)
½ cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
4 whole-wheat tortillas, 10-inch diameter
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheese (try Monterey Jack or Mexican blend)

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water.
  2. Rinse fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Lightly oil or spray a 10-inch casserole dish.
  4. In a small bowl, mix salsa and tomato sauce.
  5. In a medium bowl, mix black beans, corn and cilantro.
  6. Place 1 tortilla in baking dish and spread ¼ of salsa mixture over tortilla. Top with ⅓ of bean mixture and ⅓ of cheese.
  7. Repeat layering 2 more times; spread last of salsa mixture over top of last tortilla.
  8. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until cheese melts and filling is hot.
  9. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours. 

Notes

  • Try kidney or pinto beans instead of black beans.
  • Add leftover cooked chicken, turkey or ground beef.
  • Cook your own dry beans. One can (15 ounces) is about 1 ½ to 1 ¾ cups drained beans.

Comments

I tried TeresaP's comment and used small corn tortillas and it worked so well!  Really tasted like an enchilada, but WOW how fast is this recipe??  It really took less than 15 minutes to fully get into the oven, this is perfect after work meal to prep.  And it is so adaptable to what you have in the pantry.  Oh and we sprinkled chopped black olives on top and a bit of low-fat sour cream.

From OSU Test Kitchen: We tested the Tortilla Casserole at 500 degrees F and 350 degrees F. Both work well. The lower temperature takes a little longer but at either temperature between 15-25 minutes the dish turns out very similar. 

For those that have prepared this recipe, is the baking temperature really 500 degrees?

Quick, tasty recipe! I used 8 small corn tortillas instead of whole wheat and added 1 cup of chopped cooked turkey (leftover from Thanksgiving) seasoned with cumin and cayenne.  Next time I will add some bell pepper and green onion too!

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Two tightly wrapped cabbage rolls covered in tomato sauce with a parsley garnish.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

This variation of an old and much-loved recipe can be changed in many ways depending on the ingredients you have on hand.
Prepare:
30 to 45 minutes
Cook:
1 hour
Makes:
12 rolls
Hot Apple Orange Cider
Mug of steaming hot cider drink.

Hot Apple Orange Cider

Warm and flavorful drink that is comforting on a cold day and perfect for celebrating the holiday season.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
2 hours
Makes:
12 cups
Mix and Match Pasta Salad
Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Mix and Match Pasta Salad

Enjoy a pasta salad in under 30 minutes, made from the ingredients you have on hand! Change the flavors and match your food preferences with different proteins, veggies and dressing.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Pico de Gallo
Small bowl of diced tomato-based salsa.

Pico de Gallo

This salsa combines the fresh flavors of veggies, herbs and tangy citrus for the perfect dip or topper for a variety of dishes.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Cabbage Stir-Fry
Photo of Cabbage Stir-Fry

Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick and easy lunch or dinner option packed with veggies and ready in 30 minutes!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
5 Cups
Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread
Platter of sliced pumpkin bread.

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is a seasonal favorite, sweetened with applesauce and brown sugar.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
16 slices