Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Sausage Tortilla Bake?
It is a savory dish featuring sweet Italian sausage, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese wrapped in flour tortillas and baked in spaghetti sauce.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed.
How many tortillas do I need?
You will need 10 white flour tortillas, ideally 8 inches in size.
What is the purpose of the cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese provides a creamy texture and richness to the internal filling of the tortillas.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
While the recipe specifies cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a common substitute for a similar texture.
Why is flour added to the sausage mixture?
Two tablespoons of flour are added to help thicken the filling and bind the ingredients together.
What spices are used to season the filling?
The filling is seasoned with one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, and half a teaspoon of garlic powder.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of spaghetti sauce in total.
How is the spaghetti sauce divided?
Half of the sauce is mixed into the sausage filling, and the remaining half is poured over the rolled tortillas.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does it take to cook the sausage?
Cook the crumbled sausage in a skillet for about 8-10 minutes until it is browned and fully cooked.
Should I drain the grease from the sausage?
Yes, you should drain any excess grease after browning the sausage to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A greased 13x9 inch baking dish is the perfect size for this recipe.
How should the tortillas be placed in the dish?
Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down in the baking dish to prevent them from unrolling.
How long do I bake the dish while covered?
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it for 35 minutes.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Add the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese after the initial 35 minutes of baking.
How long is the final baking step?
Bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Can I use whole wheat tortillas instead of white?
Yes, you can substitute white flour tortillas for whole wheat ones if you prefer a different texture or flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a family dinner?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleasing comfort food dish perfect for family meals and potlucks.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include sausage, tortilla bake, comfort food, easy dinner, and family recipe.
Can I use spicy Italian sausage?
Yes, you can use hot Italian sausage if you prefer a spicier flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this Cheesy Sausage Tortilla Bake.
Is the mozzarella cheese added before or after baking?
The mozzarella is added near the end of the baking process to ensure it melts properly without burning.
Do I need to cook the tortillas before filling them?
No, the tortillas do not need preparation before filling and rolling.
Where does this recipe originate from?
The description mentions it originated from the creator's mother-in-law's recipe box.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an easy dinner option.
Can I add extra garlic?
While the recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Should the baking dish be greased?
Yes, ensure the 13x9 inch baking dish is greased to prevent sticking.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features soft tortillas with a creamy sausage filling and a gooey, melted cheese topping.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can assemble the bake ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until you are ready to bake it.