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Mexican Tortilla Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 98 reviews

Mexican Tortilla Casserole is a hearty, flavorful baked dish featuring layers of corn or flour tortillas, tender cooked chicken, fresh tomatoes, sautéed corn with jalapeños, and a creamy binding sauce. Topped with melted Mozzarella and Monterrey Jack or Swiss cheese, this casserole offers a comforting blend of textures and a mild spicy kick, perfect for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 2 cups cooked corn (or frozen, thawed)
  • ¼ cup chopped onion
  • 1–2 tablespoons chopped jalapeño
  • 2 cups chopped tomatoes, seeded (about 2 medium)

Tortillas

  • 6 large corn or flour tortillas (homemade corn tortillas preferred)

Protein

  • 2 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (leftover or rotisserie chicken works well)

Binding Cream Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream (heavy or heavy whipping)
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Chili powder or cayenne pepper, to taste

Cheeses

  • ½ cup grated Mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Monterrey Jack or Swiss cheese

For Serving (Optional)

  • Crema or sour cream
  • Avocado slices
  • Green salad (optional side)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350ºF (180°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly oil or butter an 8×11-inch glass or ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking and aid in even baking.
  3. Grate the Cheese: Using a large-holed grater or food processor with a steel blade, shred ½ cup each of Mozzarella and Monterrey Jack (or Swiss) cheese, taking care to avoid turning the cheese into a paste.
  4. Sauté the Corn Mixture: In a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil, cook the 2 cups of cooked or thawed corn, ¼ cup chopped onion, and jalapeños until softened and slightly browned, enhancing their flavors.
  5. Heat the Tortillas: Warm the 6 large tortillas in an oiled skillet over medium heat for 10-15 seconds per side until slightly charred and beginning to crisp. Alternatively, fry them lightly in hot oil or bake in the oven at 350°F until just crisp but not fully browned.
  6. Mix the Binding Cream: Combine 1 cup heavy cream, ¼ cup milk, ½ cup mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and chili or cayenne powder in a bowl or jar. Stir gently to integrate the ingredients without needing to fully smooth the mixture.
  7. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the prepared dish by covering the bottom and sides with the warmed tortillas, forming a loose container. Don’t worry if the tortillas crack slightly.
  8. Add Tomatoes and Chicken: Scatter the chopped tomatoes evenly over the tortillas, followed by the shredded or cubed cooked chicken.
  9. Layer the Corn Mixture: Spread the sautéed corn, onion, and jalapeño mix over the chicken layer, ensuring good coverage.
  10. Drizzle the Binding Cream: Pour the cream mixture evenly over the ingredients, making sure to cover edges to help bind the casserole.
  11. Add the Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated Mozzarella and Monterrey Jack or Swiss cheese evenly on top. Optionally, create two layers by dividing ingredients in half and layering lasagna-style.
  12. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes until the cheese topping turns golden and the cream filling is set but still slightly jiggly due to no eggs. If needed, extend baking time slightly.
  13. Serve: Present the casserole with a dollop of crema or sour cream and fresh avocado slices. A green salad on the side complements this dish beautifully.

Notes

  • Use homemade corn tortillas for authentic flavor and best texture, but store-bought tortillas work as well.
  • The casserole can be layered lasagna-style by dividing ingredients into two portions and repeating the layering steps.
  • The creamy binding sauce doesn’t contain eggs, so the filling will have a soft, slightly jiggly texture when done.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili powder or cayenne to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • Leftover rotisserie chicken makes this an easy and convenient recipe.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or Mexican crema to balance the richness.

Keywords: Mexican tortilla casserole, chicken casserole, baked tortilla dish, cheesy tortilla bake, easy Mexican dinner, comfort food casserole

Find it online: https://ricoloranz.com/mexican-tortilla-casserole-recipe/