Tortilla Layered Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that combines the flavors of a classic taco with the heartiness of a casserole, this Tortilla Layered Delight is your go-to dish. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.

Ingredients for Tortilla Layered Delight

The star of this dish is shredded chicken, which provides a hearty, protein-rich base. Using corn tortillas adds an authentic Mexican touch, and they soften beautifully in the oven. Cheddar cheese offers a sharp, melty finish that's hard to resist. Black beans contribute a creamy texture and additional protein, while diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a tangy, spicy flavor. A generous helping of salsa ties all these ingredients together with its robust, fresh taste. Onion and garlic form the aromatic backbone, enhanced by the earthy kick of cumin and chili powder. Lastly, olive oil ensures everything cooks nicely without sticking.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
  • Lightly toast the tortillas in a dry skillet before layering to add extra flavor.
  • For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Make sure to drain and rinse the beans well to avoid extra liquid in your dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad drizzled with lime vinaigrette or a side of creamy guacamole. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans. A cold cerveza or a refreshing margarita wouldn’t go amiss either!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas instead?
Yes, but the texture might be a bit different as flour tortillas tend to be softer and less crisp.
How can I make this vegetarian?
Simply replace the chicken with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini or extra beans.
What's the best way to store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

Tortilla Layered Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get your oven preheating to 375°F (190°C). While that's warming up, grab your trusty 9x13-inch baking dish and give it a light greasing to avoid any sticky situations later.

Now, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until they soften up and become fragrant—a couple of minutes should do it.

Sprinkle in the cumin and chili powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Let these spices mingle for about a minute, releasing their flavors fully.

Add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and the cup of salsa to the skillet. Let this mix simmer for around five minutes to thicken slightly and develop a rich flavor.

It's layering time! Start with two tortillas laid flat in the bottom of your prepared dish. Over them, spread a portion of the shredded chicken, followed by a layer of black beans, a scoop of the tomato mixture, and a handful of cheese.

Repeat these layers until you’ve used up your ingredients, aiming to end with a layer of tortillas topped with the remaining tomato mixture and cheese.

Cover the dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Let it cool slightly before diving in—this will help the layers set a bit and make serving easier.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the beloved flavors of Mexican cuisine into a single dish.
  • Simple, straightforward preparation with minimal cleanup.
  • Customizable to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • Perfect for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 small corn tortillas
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup salsa
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes and salsa, and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In the prepared baking dish, layer 2 tortillas, followed by a portion of the shredded chicken, black beans, the tomato mixture, and cheese.
6. Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of tortillas, tomato mixture, and cheese.
7. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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