bohemianwanderer – This gluten-free Mexican tortilla bake is a comforting, layered dish packed with flavor and nourishing ingredients. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it serves 4 to 6 people and comes together with pantry staples and fresh produce. The rich chipotle tomato sauce adds a subtle smoky heat, while layers of vegetables, cheese, and tortillas make it both hearty and satisfying.
Read More : Intel’s Lunar Lake CPU Core Ultra 7 254V Benchmarked
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C. Use a baking dish around 25cm x 30cm in size, though slightly larger also works. In a large frying pan over high heat, warm a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Add roughly chopped red onion and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened and starting to caramelise.
Next, stir in three cans of diced tomatoes and one cup of water or vegetable stock. Add one or two chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, depending on your heat preference. Reduce the heat to low, season with sea salt and black pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, blend the sauce until smooth and set it aside. Prepare your tortillas, beans, corn, cheese, and chopped vegetables for layering. Lightly oil the base of your baking dish and spread 3 to 4 spoonfuls of the sauce to coat the bottom.
How to Layer and Bake Your Tortilla Casserole
Begin layering with three corn tortillas, tearing them to fit evenly across the dish. Scatter black beans, green onions, a few spoonfuls of sauce, and two to three handfuls of grated cheddar cheese. Season with a pinch of sea salt and cracked black pepper.
For the second layer, place three more tortillas on top. Add a handful of baby spinach, a few spoons of the tomato sauce, more cheese, chopped coriander, and thawed corn kernels. Again, season lightly before moving to the final layer.
Read More : Black Forest Crepe Cake Trends in Artisan Bakeries
Use the last four tortillas to cover the top. Spoon over the remaining sauce and spread it evenly with the back of a spoon. Finish by generously topping with the remaining cheddar cheese. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and golden. Remove from the oven and allow the bake to rest for 15 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
This tortilla bake delivers comforting layers with a smoky, cheesy finish. It’s gluten-free, family-approved, and perfect for leftovers. Pair it with a fresh salad or avocado slices for a complete meal. The flavors deepen the next day, making it a great make-ahead option for busy weeks.
