Hey there, my friend 👋. If you love bold flavors and easy meals, you’re in for a treat. This chipotle sofritas tortilla casserole is a one-pan wonder that’s loaded with spice, protein, and cheesy goodness.
The best part? You don’t need to roll tortillas or do anything fancy. Just layer everything, bake, and enjoy.
Let me show you how to make it.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe:
- Large skillet
- Baking dish (9×13-inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Foil (for covering while baking)
Important Info
- Servings: 6 slices
- Estimated Cost: This recipe costs about $12 to make.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories per Serving: About 350 calories
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: All seasons
- Courses: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diets: Vegetarian, DairyFreeDiet (if using dairy-free cheese)
How to Make Chipotle Sofritas Tortilla Casserole
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, drained and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 6 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or dairy-free cheese)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative Option |
|---|---|
| Firm tofu | Extra-firm tofu or crumbled tempeh |
| Chipotle pepper | 1 teaspoon chipotle powder |
| Tomato sauce | Salsa or crushed tomatoes |
| Black beans | Pinto beans or kidney beans |
| Corn tortillas | Flour tortillas or tortilla chips |
| Cheese | Dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast |
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and chipotle pepper, cooking for another minute.
- Add the crumbled tofu, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the tomato sauce and vegetable broth. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Mix in the black beans and remove from heat.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the tortilla pieces at the bottom.
- Spread half of the sofritas mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, sofritas mixture, and cheese.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if using, then serve.
Helpful Tips
- Press the tofu for at least 10 minutes before crumbling to remove excess moisture.
- For extra spice, add another chipotle pepper or more chili powder.
- If using flour tortillas, toast them slightly before layering to prevent sogginess.
- This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
What to Serve with Chipotle Sofritas Tortilla Casserole
This casserole is perfect on its own, but if you want a complete meal, try serving it with:
- A side of guacamole and tortilla chips
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- A fresh salad with avocado and lime dressing
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
Use a spatula to lift the casserole slices out of the baking dish. Serve it on plates with a dollop of sour cream or dairy-free yogurt for extra creaminess.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This dish is great for:
- Family dinners – It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd.
- Meal prep – It stores well for leftovers.
- Potlucks and gatherings – Everyone loves a cheesy casserole.
- Mexican-themed nights – Pair it with tacos and salsa.
Storage
Short-term Storage (Room Temperature)
- Keep leftovers covered in the baking dish at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
- If serving later the same day, reheat in a low oven before eating.
Refrigeration
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Freezing
- Wrap individual slices in foil and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, just use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese altogether. The sofritas filling is already vegan.
Can I use store-bought sofritas?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use pre-made sofritas from brands like Chipotle or Trader Joe’s. Just heat it up and layer it in the casserole.
How can I make this spicier?
Add another chipotle pepper, extra chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also serve it with jalapeños.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, but cut them into smaller pieces, and toast them a bit before layering to prevent them from getting too soft.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.