Zesty Mexican Tortilla Bake Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a delightful mexican tortilla bake sparks joy in every kitchen adventure.

Layers of cheese, tortillas, and zesty ingredients create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Comfort meets creativity with this simple yet irresistible dish.

Vibrant flavors dance across your plate, promising a satisfying meal.

Memories of home-cooked goodness emerge with each savory bite.

Spices and textures intertwine, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this culinary delight.

Add a Twist to Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake

• Vegetarian Bake: Replace beef mince with black beans, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternative. Keep spices and layering technique the same for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Chicken Tortilla Casserole: Swap beef for shredded chicken breast, using same spice blend and cooking method. Maintain layering technique with tortillas and cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of wheat tortillas. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly spices and pre-made sauces.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace tortillas with thin zucchini slices or cauliflower rounds. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, spicy flavor profile of original recipe.

Toppings and Sides for Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake

• Pair Zesty Mexican Beer: Choose a crisp, light Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo Especial to complement the spicy beef and cut through the rich cheeses.
• Match Tangy Margarita: Blend a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to balance the bold flavors of the tortilla bake and cleanse the palate.
• Create Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a bright tomato and cilantro salsa with diced onions and jalapeños to add freshness and enhance the Mexican-inspired dish's vibrant profile.
• Serve Cool Sour Cream Drizzle: Top the baked dish with a dollop of cool, creamy sour cream to temper the spice and provide a smooth contrast to the hot, cheesy layers.

Storing Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the Mexican Tortilla Bake will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or wrap with plastic and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover dish with foil to prevent excessive browning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Cut portion into smaller pieces. Cover with microwave-safe lid. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs About Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake

• Is this recipe spicy?

The heat level depends on the chili you use. You can adjust the amount of chili or choose a mild variety to control the spiciness.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a lean alternative. The flavor profile remains similar and it’s a great protein swap.

• Do I need special tortillas for this recipe?

Standard flour or corn tortillas will work fine. Just ensure they’re fresh and not too thin to hold the layers.

• Is mascarpone cheese necessary?

While mascarpone adds creaminess, you can substitute with cream cheese or sour cream if needed. Each will slightly change the final texture and taste.

What Makes Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake a Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients to match your family's taste preferences, making this Mexican Tortilla Bake a flexible crowd-pleaser.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Layer ingredients quickly without complex cooking techniques, delivering a rich, satisfying meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, cheese, and spices in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and providing a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Comfort Food Champion: Offers a warm, cheesy experience with bold Mexican-inspired flavors that comfort and excite taste buds in every delicious bite.

Ingredients Needed for Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake

• Beef Mince: A lean ground beef that provides a rich, hearty base for the Mexican-inspired casserole.

• Onions: Adds a sweet and savory foundation to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings a deep, aromatic flavor to the meat mixture.
• Chili, Pepper: Contributes a spicy and warming kick to the recipe.

• Cumin, Coriander: Classic Mexican spices that create an authentic and robust flavor profile.

• Tomato Puree: Helps to thicken and intensify the sauce's flavor.
• Chutney: Provides a sweet and tangy element to the dish.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Adds moisture and freshness to the meat mixture.
• Mascarpone, Mozzarella, Cheddar: Creates a creamy and melty cheese layer with different textures and flavors.

• Tortillas: Serves as the base and layering component of the bake.
• Oil: Used for cooking the onions and meat.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.
• Fresh Coriander: Adds a bright, herbal finish to the Mexican Tortilla Bake.

Cooking Instructions for Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F) for a conventional oven or 140°C (285°F) for a fan-assisted oven.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat oil in a large skillet and cook onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Meat

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces until it’s completely browned.

Step 4: Spice It Up

• Garlic
• Chili
• Bell pepper
• Cumin
• Coriander

Cook the mixture for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Create the Sauce

• Tomato puree
• Chutney
• Chopped tomatoes
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the sauce simmer and develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Initial Baking

Cover the skillet and bake in the oven for 1 hour, allowing the meat to become tender and flavorful.

Step 7: Add Fresh Herbs

Mix in half of the fresh coriander (cilantro) to brighten the dish.

Step 8: Prepare for Assembly

Increase the oven temperature to 200°C (400°F) for conventional ovens or 180°C (350°F) for fan-assisted ovens.

Step 9: Layer the Casserole

• Beef mixture
• Tortillas
• Mascarpone cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Repeat the layering process twice.

Step 10: Final Cheese Topping

Finish the top layer with an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Step 11: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the casserole for 25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12: Rest and Garnish

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with the remaining fresh coriander before serving.

Tips to Get the Best Mary Berry Mexican Tortilla Bake

• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize heat by reducing or increasing chili quantities to match your personal taste preference.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Let cheese reach room temperature before adding to ensure smooth, even melting across tortilla layers.
• Meat Quality Matters: Choose lean beef mince for less grease and a cleaner, more robust flavor profile in the bake.
• Layer Carefully: Ensure even distribution of beef and cheese between tortilla layers for consistent taste in every bite.
• Resting Is Crucial: Allow dish to rest after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving easier.

Mexican Tortilla Bake Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican Tortilla Bake delivers a spicy symphony of layered flavors dancing through crisp tortillas and melted cheese. Comfort meets zest in this simple yet impressive dish that promises to satisfy hungry appetites with authentic southwestern charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 500 grams (1 pound 2 ounces) beef mince
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) mozzarella, grated
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) cheddar
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Vegetables and Spices:

• 2 large onions, chopped
• 1 mild red chili, deseeded and finely chopped
• 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
• 1 small bunch fresh coriander, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Sauce and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree
• 12 tablespoons mango chutney
• 2 x 400 grams tins chopped tomatoes
• 3 large flour tortilla wraps
• 250 grams (9 ounces) full-fat mascarpone

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 160°C, preparing a comfortable cooking environment for the Mexican-inspired dish.
2. In a large skillet, warm the oil and gently sauté onions until they become translucent and soft, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Introduce beef mince to the skillet, thoroughly browning the meat to develop rich, deep flavors.
4. Incorporate garlic, chili, pepper, cumin, and coriander, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify for about 5 minutes.
5. Pour in tomato puree, chutney, chopped tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper, then reduce heat to create a robust, simmering sauce.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, covering and allowing the mixture to slowly develop its complex flavors for 1 hour.
7. Remove from oven, fold in half of the fresh coriander, infusing the sauce with aromatic herbs.
8. Increase oven temperature to 200°C, preparing for the final assembly and baking stage.
9. In a baking dish, create alternating layers: beef mixture, tortillas, mascarpone, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, repeating the layering process twice.
10. Complete the dish with a generous topping of remaining cheese for a golden, bubbling finish.
11. Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese melts and turns a beautiful golden brown, creating a crispy, enticing top layer.
12. Allow the bake to rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with the remaining fresh coriander before serving.

Notes

• For a leaner option, swap beef mince with ground turkey or chicken to reduce fat content.
• Enhance flavor depth by using fresh spices instead of pre-ground, toasting them briefly before adding to the mixture.
• Vegetarian adaptation works perfectly by replacing meat with black beans or lentils, maintaining the dish’s rich protein profile.
• Make it gluten-free by using corn tortillas and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 8 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 573 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg