I recall those lazy Sunday afternoons when my family would gather around the table, eagerly awaiting a homemade meal. More often than not, the star of the show was a traditional dish handed down from generation to generation. But one day, I felt adventurous and decided to introduce something new to our family table: a tortilla casserole. It was a gamble, considering how my grandmother holds firm to her culinary traditions. I watched her eye this unfamiliar dish with curiosity, while the enticing aroma of spices and beans wafted through the room.

 

“Tortilla Tales & Grandma’s Seal of Approval”: Remember the time you wanted to impress someone with a dish, and the anxiety that came with it? That was me, awaiting feedback from the toughest critic of all: Grandma. As I served the casserole, I gave everyone a brief about its vegetarian goodness, secretly hoping to win some brownie points. I remember my younger cousin, ever the drama queen, raising her fork slowly to her mouth, eyes wide, as the room waited in suspense. The unanimous “Mmm!” that echoed made me sigh with relief. But it was Grandma’s nod of approval that made my day. “It’s different, but it’s delicious!” she declared. And just like that, the tortilla casserole found its place in our family’s culinary repertoire. How about making a little history of your own with this dish? Because sometimes, all you need is a bit of spice and everything nice!

 

Deliciously hearty and full of flavor, this tortilla casserole is a perfect vegetarian dish that is sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Packed with beans, spinach, and spices, it’s a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare.

 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Calories: 113 per serving

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 (14-ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes (with 1/4 cup juice reserved)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black or pinto beans, drained
• 1½ cups frozen corn
• 3 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 8 corn tortillas
• 2 cups monterey jack or cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, fresh jalapeño, sour cream, salsa

 

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Coat an 8×11 or 9×9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Onion Mixture: In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Stir and cook until the onions soften and the spices are aromatic (3-5 minutes).
3. Add Other Ingredients: Incorporate the tomatoes, reserved tomato juice, tomato paste, beans, corn, and spinach to the skillet. Cook for a couple more minutes until the spinach wilts and the corn has thawed. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Place two corn tortillas in the baking dish. Top with 1/4 of the bean mixture and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle 1/2 cup cheese over the top. Continue layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese.
5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, until the casserole is heated through.
6. Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before cutting into portions. Serve with your choice of optional toppings.

 

 

Note: This dish is versatile. You can add other veggies or swap ingredients based on personal preference.

 

 

Deliciously Hearty Vegetarian Tortilla Casserole

 

Dive into this flavor-packed tortilla casserole, brimming with a mouth-watering combination of beans, spinach, and spices. A quintessential vegetarian delight, this dish promises a burst of flavors with each bite and is sure to become a favorite at any gathering.

 

Serving Suggestions:

• A dollop of avocado guacamole pairs beautifully with this casserole.
• Consider serving with a fresh side salad to balance the heartiness of the casserole.

 

Tips & Variations:

• If you want a crispier top, you can place the casserole under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking.
• Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, zucchini, or olives for an added dimension of flavor.
• For a vegan version, replace the cheese with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

 

Common Questions:

• Can I prepare this in advance?

  • Yes, you can prepare the filling and refrigerate it for up to two days. Assemble and bake just before serving.

• How do I store leftovers?

  • Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions.

 

Allergens & Dietary Restrictions:

• Gluten: Ensure the tortillas are gluten-free.
• Dairy: This recipe contains cheese.
• For nut-free: Ensure none of the toppings or ingredients were processed in facilities that handle nuts.

 

Experience the joy of a hearty meal that isn’t just delicious but also nourishing. This tortilla casserole is a testament to the fact that vegetarian meals can be both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this dish is a winner. Enjoy! 🍅🌽🧀🥬🌶🍽️