Layered Taco Torte
This Layered Taco Torte is a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining the hearty flavors of seasoned meats, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese in a layered presentation. Perfect for gatherings or a family dinner, this dish allows you to customize with your favorite taco toppings. Serve warm with a generous dollop of sour cream and fresh guacamole for a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone will love. Ideal for taco nights, this torte can be made ahead of time and simply reheated before serving.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
pork sausage
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
ground beef
1/2 lb (cooked and crumbled)
taco seasoning
3 tablespoons (to taste)
green chilies
4 oz (drained and chopped)
refried beans
16 oz (heated)
sweet red pepper
1/2 cup (roasted and sliced thin)
onion
1/2 cup (sliced thin)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (to taste)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (roasted and sliced thin)
tortillas
1 (8-inch bag) (as needed)
Mexican blend cheese
3 cups (shredded)
sour cream
1/4 cup (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Prepare an 8-inch springform pan by greasing it well to prevent sticking.
2
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the pork sausage and ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
4
Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced sweet red peppers, green bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
5
Begin layering in the prepared springform pan: Start with a tortilla at the bottom, spread a layer of refried beans, followed by a layer of the seasoned meat mixture, then add green chilies, and finally the sautéed pepper and onion mixture.
6
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Mexican blend cheese on top. Repeat the layering process until the pan is full, ending with a final layer of tortilla and a thick layer of cheese on top.
7
Cover the torte with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 minutes.
8
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Carefully loosen the edges of the torte from the pan before removing the springform ring.
9
Slice into wedges and serve topped with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite taco garnishes, such as guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Layered Taco Torte?
It is a savory, multi-layered dish featuring seasoned meats, beans, vegetables, and cheese stacked between tortillas and baked in a springform pan.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of pork sausage and 1/2 lb of ground beef.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
What size pan should I use for the taco torte?
An 8-inch springform pan is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the torte from sticking to the pan?
Grease the springform pan well before you begin layering the ingredients.
How long does the taco torte need to bake?
The torte should be covered with foil and baked for 40 minutes.
How long should the torte rest after baking?
Allow the torte to sit for 10 minutes before removing the springform ring.
What vegetables are included in the filling?
The filling includes sweet red peppers, green bell peppers, and onions.
How should the peppers and onions be prepared?
They should be sliced thin and sautéed in a skillet until they are tender and aromatic.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
A shredded Mexican blend cheese is recommended, and you will need about 3 cups.
What size tortillas are needed?
You should use 8-inch tortillas to fit the size of the springform pan.
What is the layering order for the torte?
Layer a tortilla first, then refried beans, meat mixture, green chilies, sautéed vegetables, and cheese.
What should be on the very top layer?
The final layer should be a tortilla topped with a thick layer of shredded cheese.
What are some suggested garnishes for serving?
Serve with a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or fresh cilantro.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, it can be prepared ahead of time and simply reheated before you are ready to serve.
What kind of beans are used in the torte?
The recipe uses 16 oz of heated refried beans.
How much taco seasoning is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning to flavor the meat mixture.
Should the torte be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the torte with aluminum foil before placing it in the oven.
How do I safely remove the torte from the pan?
Carefully loosen the edges of the torte from the pan with a knife before removing the springform ring.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic is sautéed with the peppers and onions, or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be used for seasoning.
How should the green chilies be prepared?
Use 4 oz of green chilies that have been drained and chopped.
How is the meat prepared before layering?
Cook the pork sausage and ground beef in a skillet until browned and crumbled.
How many cups of cheese are used in total?
The recipe calls for a total of 3 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese.
How many tortillas do I need?
You will need one 8-inch bag of tortillas, using as many as needed to fill the pan.
Is this a good dish for taco nights?
Yes, it is a delightful twist on traditional tacos and is ideal for taco nights or family gatherings.
How should the torte be sliced?
The torte should be sliced into wedges, similar to a cake or pie.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, you can customize the dish with any of your favorite taco toppings.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
It combines hearty seasoned meats, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese for a classic Mexican flavor.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a family meal, making it accessible for home cooks.
How do I reheat the taco torte?
You can reheat individual wedges or the entire torte in the oven until warmed through.