Tex-Mex Torta

Tex-Mex Torta Recipe from Mexico with Salsa, Corn, and Cheese

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tex-Mex Torta is a delicious and hearty Mexican-inspired casserole dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

History

The Tex-Mex Torta is a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with a Texan twist. It combines classic ingredients like salsa, refried beans, and cheese with ground turkey or beef to create a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish has been a favorite in Tex-Mex cuisine for many years and continues to be a popular choice for those looking for a flavorful and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) jar salsa, mild, medium, or hot
1 medium onion, diced
1 (11 oz) can corn, drained
0.5 cup black olives, cut in half (I use a whole can)
1 lb lean hamburger or ground turkey, cooked and drained
6 large flour or corn tortillas (I like the flour tortillas)
1 or 2 cans refried beans
1.5 cups monterey jack or cheddar cheese

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and position the rack in the middle.
Spray a 2.5 qt (2.36 liter) ovenproof dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Place the salsa in a strainer and press out as much liquid as possible (you can use this liquid to enhance spaghetti sauce).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the salsa, onion, corn, olives, and hamburger or turkey.
Spread refried beans on each tortilla and place two tortillas in the dish with the bean side facing up.
Cover with 0.33 of the salsa mixture and 0.33 of the cheese.
Place two more tortillas on top and repeat with a layer of salsa mixture and cheese.
Top with the remaining two tortillas and the remaining salsa mixture and cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and a knife inserted in the center comes out hot.
To freeze: freeze the unbaked torta.
To serve, remove from the freezer and let it sit for 1 hour.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until bubbly and hot.

Variations

Swap out the ground turkey for ground beef or chicken.
Add in some diced tomatoes or green chilies for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese like pepper jack or Monterey Jack for a twist on the classic recipe.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the salsa well to avoid a watery casserole.

- You can customize the heat level of this dish by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa.

- Feel free to add in extra veggies like bell peppers or jalapenos for added flavor and nutrition.

- Make sure to let the torta sit for a bit after baking to allow it to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tex-Mex Torta with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground beef or chicken instead of ground turkey.

- Use pinto beans instead of refried beans.

- Use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble the Tex-Mex Torta ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tex-Mex Torta in individual ramekins for a fun and unique presentation. Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Tex-Mex Torta with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a true Tex-Mex experience. A side of Mexican rice or beans would also complement this dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Tex-Mex Torta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tex-Mex Torta contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tex-Mex Torta contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tex-Mex Torta contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Tex-Mex Torta contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Tex-Mex Torta is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (tortillas). It may also contain soy (refried beans).

Summary

Tex-Mex Torta is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a family dinner.

Summary

Tex-Mex Torta is a flavorful and satisfying casserole dish that is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner. Packed with classic Tex-Mex flavors, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Tex-Mex Torta. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Texas. My family was hosting a neighborhood potluck, and one of our neighbors, Mrs. Garcia, brought over this delicious dish that she called Tex-Mex Torta.

I had never tasted anything quite like it before - layers of corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and zesty salsa all baked together in a casserole dish. It was love at first bite, and I knew that I had to learn how to make it myself.

Mrs. Garcia graciously shared her recipe with me, and I spent the next few weeks perfecting my own version of Tex-Mex Torta. I experimented with different spices, cheeses, and toppings until I finally found the perfect combination that made my taste buds sing.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties. It has become a staple in my recipe repertoire, and everyone who tries it raves about how delicious it is.

As I reflect on how I learned to make Tex-Mex Torta, I realize that this recipe represents more than just a delicious dish - it is a symbol of the friendships and connections that I have made through food. Mrs. Garcia may have been the one to introduce me to this recipe, but over the years, I have added my own twists and variations to make it truly my own.

One of my favorite memories involving Tex-Mex Torta was when my grandchildren came to visit for the summer. They had never tried this dish before, and I was excited to share it with them. I remember watching their faces light up as they took their first bite, their eyes widening in delight at the explosion of flavors in their mouths.

As we sat around the dinner table that night, sharing stories and laughter, I realized that this recipe had become more than just a dish - it was a way for me to pass down a piece of my heritage to the next generation. I shared with them the story of how I learned to make Tex-Mex Torta, and they listened intently, hanging on my every word.

Since then, my grandchildren have asked me to make Tex-Mex Torta every time they come to visit. It has become a tradition for us, a way for us to bond over a shared love of good food and family.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the many memories and moments that this recipe has brought me, I am grateful for the connections it has forged and the joy it has brought to those I love. Tex-Mex Torta will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a dish that is sure to impress, I urge you to give Tex-Mex Torta a try. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your heart will also be filled with the warmth and love that this dish has brought to me and my family over the years. Bon appétit!