Tortilla casserole

Tuna Tortilla Casserole Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 6

Introduction

Tortilla casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe combines the flavors of tuna, tomatoes, green chiles, and cheese, all layered between tortillas for a satisfying meal.

History

Tortilla casserole has its roots in Mexican cuisine, where tortillas are a staple ingredient. This dish has been adapted over the years to include a variety of fillings and flavors, making it a versatile and popular choice for many home cooks.

Ingredients

6.5 oz (184 g) canned tuna in water
1 medium onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 can tomatoes, blended
16 slices
0.25 cup green chiles, diced
1 tsp sugar
4 tbsp vegetable oil
0.5 tsp salt
6 oz (170 g) monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 cup cottage cheese
1 egg
4 corn tortillas
1 tsp cumin

How to prepare

Drain the tuna. Sauté the onion and garlic in oil until soft. Stir in tomatoes, chiles, cumin, sugar, and salt. Simmer covered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the tuna. Spoon half of the tuna mixture into a casserole dish. Top with half of the cheese. In a separate bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg. Dollop the mixture over the shredded cheese. Place tortillas over the cottage cheese mixture and mound the remaining tuna mixture over all. Sprinkle with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 30 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Variations

Swap out the tuna for cooked chicken or ground beef for a different flavor.
Add black beans or corn to the filling mixture for extra texture and flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the tuna well before adding it to the casserole to prevent excess liquid in the dish.

- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the filling mixture.

- For a crispy top, broil the casserole for a few minutes after baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tortilla casserole with a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include sautéing, simmering, and baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tuna on hand, you can use cooked chicken or ground beef as a substitute. You can also use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can assemble this tortilla casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the fridge.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the finished casserole with fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This tortilla casserole pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this tortilla casserole contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this tortilla casserole provides about 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

With tuna and cheese as the main sources of protein, this dish offers around 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Tortilla casserole is a good source of calcium, vitamin C, and iron, thanks to the cheese, tomatoes, and tuna in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese and cottage cheese) and wheat (tortillas), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, this tortilla casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Tortilla casserole is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Tortilla casserole. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy kitchen. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always loved spending time with her, watching her work her magic with ingredients and flavors.

On that particular day, Maria was preparing a delicious Tortilla casserole for dinner. As soon as I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of sizzling onions and garlic. Maria smiled at me and gestured for me to come closer to the stove.

"Have you ever tried Tortilla casserole before, my dear?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement. I shook my head, eager to learn more about this new dish.

Maria then proceeded to show me how to make the casserole from scratch. She explained that it was a simple yet flavorful Mexican-inspired dish, made with layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and a savory tomato sauce. As she demonstrated each step of the recipe, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and expertise in the kitchen.

I watched intently as Maria assembled the casserole, layer by layer, with precision and care. She told me stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Maria's eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recounted the memories of cooking alongside her beloved abuela in the kitchen.

As the casserole baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma, Maria and I sat at the table, sipping on glasses of cold lemonade. We chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company as the anticipation of dinner grew stronger with each passing minute.

Finally, the timer dinged, signaling that the casserole was ready. Maria carefully removed the dish from the oven and placed it on the table with a flourish. The golden cheese bubbled and melted, creating a tempting crust on top of the casserole. My stomach grumbled in anticipation as Maria served us both generous portions.

I took my first bite of the Tortilla casserole and was immediately transported to a world of bold flavors and comforting textures. The tender tortillas soaked up the rich tomato sauce, while the seasoned ground beef added a savory depth to each bite. The beans added a creamy element, while the gooey cheese tied everything together beautifully.

Maria watched me with a smile as I savored each mouthful of the casserole. Her eyes twinkled with pride and satisfaction, knowing that she had successfully passed on her family's cherished recipe to a dear friend.

As we finished our meal, Maria handed me a handwritten copy of the Tortilla casserole recipe. She encouraged me to try making it at home and to share it with my own loved ones. I thanked her profusely for her generosity and promised to carry on the tradition of making this delicious dish for years to come.

And so, that is how I learned to make Tortilla casserole – from a dear friend who shared not only her recipe but also her love and passion for cooking. Every time I prepare this dish, I am reminded of the warm summer day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this flavorful and comforting casserole. The recipe may have originated from Maria's grandmother, but now it holds a special place in my heart, as a cherished memory of friendship and culinary delight.