Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

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Crinkle Tortilla Casserole – A Cheesy, Crunchy Family Favorite

Looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings both crunch and comfort? This Crinkle Tortilla Casserole delivers big flavors with minimal effort. With layers of seasoned meat, melty cheese, and crisp tortillas, it’s a perfect fusion of Mexican-inspired ingredients and good old-fashioned casserole coziness.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, prepping meals for the week, or just craving something hearty, this dish is the answer. And best of all, it’s totally customizable — use ground beef, chicken, or even beans to make it your own.

 Why You’ll Love This Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

  • Fast and simple: Uses everyday pantry staples

  • Cheesy and satisfying: Gooey cheese meets crispy tortillas

  • Family-friendly: Kids and adults love it

  • Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day

  • One-dish meal: Less cleanup!

 Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 1 packet taco seasoning mix

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup frozen corn (optional)

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

  • 10 small flour or corn tortillas (cut into quarters or crinkled)

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)

  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, avocado, salsa, or hot sauce

 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

  2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

  3. Add chopped onion and cook until soft (3-4 minutes).

  4. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  5. Spread a layer of crinkled or torn tortillas on the bottom of the casserole dish.

  6. Add half the meat mixture, then sprinkle a layer of cheese and a few dollops of sour cream.

  7. Repeat layers: tortillas → meat → cheese → sour cream.

  8. Top with remaining cheese. Cover loosely with foil.

  9. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  10. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro and toppings of choice.

 Notes & Tips

  • Tortilla tip: Crinkling the tortillas gives a fun texture. You can also lightly fry them for extra crispness.

  • Make it vegetarian: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or a mix of beans.

  • Spice it up: Add chipotle powder, chili flakes, or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.

  • Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven.

 What to Serve With Tortilla Casserole

  • Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice

  • A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette

  • Guacamole and tortilla chips

  • Pickled red onions or salsa verde

FAQs About Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

Can I freeze tortilla casserole?

Yes! Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 10-15 extra minutes.

What’s the best tortilla to use?

Corn tortillas hold up better, but flour tortillas create a softer, layered texture — use your favorite.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Just shred and mix with the taco seasoning and remaining filling ingredients.

 Final Thoughts

This Crinkle Tortilla Casserole is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend meals. It’s hearty, customizable, and guaranteed to disappear fast from the table.

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Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

Crinkle Tortilla Casserole

  • Author: kecha
Print Recipe

Description

This Crinkle Tortilla Casserole is a cheesy, comforting, and crunchy baked dish layered with tortillas, seasoned meat, beans, and gooey cheese. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s fast to assemble and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 packet taco seasoning

  • 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)

  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup frozen corn (optional)

  • 10 small flour or corn tortillas, cut or crinkled

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)

  • Chopped cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat.

  3. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

  4. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.

  5. In the baking dish, place a layer of crinkled tortillas on the bottom.

  6. Spread half of the meat mixture over tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese and add dollops of sour cream.

  7. Repeat layers: tortillas, meat, cheese, sour cream.

  8. Finish with a top layer of cheese. Cover with foil.

  9. Bake for 20 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

  10. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro.

Notes

  • Tortilla choice: Corn gives a more authentic texture, flour results in a softer casserole.

  • Make ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

  • Freezer friendly: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly and freeze. Bake from frozen with extra time.

  • Vegetarian option: Replace meat with cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or more beans.

  • Spice level: For more heat, add jalapeños or chipotle powder to the meat mix.

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