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Southwest Tortilla Pie Recipe

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4 from 50 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Description

Southwest Tortilla Pie is a hearty and flavorful Tex-Mex casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, flour tortillas, and melted Mexican-blend cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings and pairs beautifully with sour cream, avocado, and fresh cilantro for an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Veggie Mixture

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 ounce)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels, drained if canned
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chiles (optional)

Assembly

  • 6 medium flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese

Optional Garnishes

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or round baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent, releasing its natural sweetness.
  3. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is fully browned. Drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too greasy.
  4. Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, allowing the spices to bloom and flavor the meat.
  5. Combine Vegetables: Add the rinsed black beans, corn, salsa, and diced green chiles if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients and simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  6. Layer the Pie: Place one flour tortilla in the prepared baking dish. Spread a portion of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortilla, then sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on top.
  7. Repeat Layers: Continue layering tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.
  8. Bake Covered: Cover the assembled casserole loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and melt the cheese.
  9. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  10. Rest and Serve: Allow the tortilla pie to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set up, then garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or shredded cooked chicken for ground beef for a different protein option.
  • For a milder dish, use mild salsa and omit the diced green chiles.
  • Drain canned beans and corn thoroughly and use a thicker salsa to prevent the casserole from getting soggy.
  • Add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach into the filling to include more vegetables.
  • Prepare the pie assembly up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. If baking from chilled, allow extra baking time.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Dinner, Casseroles
  • Method: Stovetop, Baking
  • Cuisine: Southwest American, Tex-Mex

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/southwest-tortilla-pie-recipe/