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Cheesy Southwest Tortilla Breakfast Casserole


  • Author: Mira
  • Total Time: 60
  • Yield: 8 servings

Description

Cheesy Southwest Tortilla Breakfast Casserole is a cozy make-ahead breakfast that layers soft tortillas, fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and Tex-Mex veggies into one easy recipe that’s perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or breakfast-for-dinner. This quick breakfast casserole is packed with protein, pantry-friendly ingredients, and bold Southwest flavor, making it one of my favorite breakfast ideas when I need something simple, family-friendly, and totally satisfying. Leftovers also make a fun healthy snack or easy dinner, so you can keep your favorite breakfast ideas and dinner ideas all in one pan of cheesy comfort food ideas.


Ingredients

8 large eggs

1 1/2 cups whole milk (or 2%)

1/2 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)

1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles, drained

6–8 small flour or corn tortillas, cut into strips or wedges

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

2 green onions, thinly sliced, for topping

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for topping


Instructions

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Cut the tortillas into strips or wedges and arrange a layer over the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping so there are no big gaps.

2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper and sauté until softened and lightly golden.

3. Stir in the black beans, corn, and drained diced tomatoes with green chiles. Cook for a few minutes until warmed through and any excess moisture begins to evaporate, then remove from heat.

4. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

5. Spoon half of the veggie mixture evenly over the tortilla layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle with about half of the cheddar and pepper jack cheese.

6. Add another layer of tortillas over the cheese, then top with the remaining veggie mixture and most of the remaining cheese, reserving a small handful for the top.

7. Slowly pour the egg mixture evenly over the layered tortillas, veggies, and cheese, tilting the pan slightly if needed to help it flow into the corners and layers. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top.

8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until the eggs are mostly set. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden, the cheese is bubbly, and the center is just set with a slight jiggle.

9. Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes, then sprinkle with sliced green onions and chopped cilantro. Slice into squares and serve warm, with avocado, salsa, jalapeños, or hot sauce on the side if desired.

Notes

For the best texture, use slightly stale or day-old tortillas so they soak up the egg mixture without becoming mushy.

Make it heartier by adding 1/2–3/4 pound of cooked breakfast sausage, chorizo, or crumbled bacon to the veggie mixture before layering.

If baking straight from the fridge after an overnight chill, let the casserole sit at room temperature for 20 minutes and add a few extra minutes of baking time to ensure the center sets fully.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 40
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Southwest American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/8 of casserole)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 4
  • Sodium: 780
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 21
  • Cholesterol: 260

Keywords: cheesy southwest tortilla breakfast casserole, quick breakfast, easy dinner, healthy snack, breakfast ideas, dinner ideas, easy recipe, food ideas, brunch casserole, make ahead breakfast