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This Tortilla Casserole has been a favorite in our family for over 50 years. It’s tried and true and your family will love it too! Be sure to watch the video below to see just how easy it is to assemble this delicious tortilla casserole recipe. 
I grew up in the era of casseroles. Most of those casseroles usually involved some kind of condensed soup, tuna or tater tots! Casseroles were a staple at our home and a staple at every church potluck.
Recently I was going through a cookbook of my family’s favorite recipes and I found today’s recipe for Tortilla Casserole. I had forgotten about this hidden gem. I promise there is no soup, tuna or tater tots in this casserole though!
This is a recipe that has been in my family for over 50 years or so. It was given to my mother by one of her best friends, Vera Jean Jones. Vera was a great cook and a fabulous entertainer. She was my mother’s next door neighbor and a life long friend.
One of the nice things about casseroles is the ease that they come together. This tortilla casserole uses ingredients I always have in my pantry, a can of diced tomatoes, chili without beans, and black olives. These ingredients help save time and allows you to get a delicious homemade meal on the table. I love having a well stocked pantry because it helps make meal planning in a pinch possible!
In addition to the canned items, you will need a pound of hamburger, some green onions, cheese, and tortillas.
How to Make Tortilla Casserole
First, brown the hamburger and then add in the tomatoes and chili. Then, let the tortilla casserole mixture simmer for about an hour and a half on low. This allows it to thicken up and the flavors to meld together.
Once the mixture has thickened, you are then ready to assemble the casserole. I used a 9 x 13 pan. Begin with a layer of corn tortillas on the bottom.
Then add half the meat mixture, half the black olives and half the cheese.
And then repeat that same combination. Another layer of tortillas, meat, olives and cheese. Then it is ready for the oven. Bake the tortilla casserole at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.
Once out of the oven, garnish it with a bit more green onion and dinner is ready.
Sometimes those old recipes really are the best recipes.
Check out more easy dinner recipes:
Skillet Potatoes with Peppers, Onions and Sausage
My favorite kitchen tools I use to make TORTILLA CASSEROLE:
REDMOND REAL SALT – this is my favorite, daily use salt. It’s unrefined, unprocessed, just the way nature made it!
9 x 13 GLASS PAN – I actually own three of these and they seem to be in constant use.
For all of my other favorite kitchen products and tools visit my Amazon Store.
Tortilla Casserole Recipe
Tortilla Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb. hamburger
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 12 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 12 oz. can chili with no beans
- 4 green onions diced Reserve some for garnish
- 1 2.25 oz. can sliced olives
- 3 C grated Cheddar Cheese or a Cheddar blend
- 10 corn tortillas
Instructions
- Brown meat and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
- Add in tomatoes and chili.
- Simmer on low for 1 1/2 hours.
- Stir in green onions.
- Line 9 x 13 pan with tortillas.
- Layer with half of meat mixture, half of cheese and half of olives.
- Then add another layer of tortillas and repeat.
- Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes.
Nutrition Facts:
Matt Robinson says
We love casseroles. We love Mexican food. Together, our fav! This one is so good, can’t wait to try someday soon!
Janet Bradley says
Could I use crushed/pureed tomatoes instead???? I really don’t like tomatoes.
Thanks, Jan
Liz says
Nice and easy. Thanks Leigh Anne. Have a Wonderful Weekend!
Darlena says
How much cheese and what kind? I was trying to figure calorie content and realized you showed cheese in the photo but bnot in the recipe. thanks
Leigh Anne says
Darlena, oops left that off didn’t I! Fixed the recipe – 3 C cheddar cheese or a cheddar blend.
Debbie Caraballo says
This casserole is right up my tree! Easy, simple ingredients, and my favorite flavors….thanks Leigh Anne!
Leigh Anne says
Debbie – hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy it like we do!