When you want a hearty and easy meal, this Mexican-Style Tortilla Stack is perfect. It’s guaranteed to feed a crowd and is one of my go-to favourites. You will love it. It uses simple pantry ingredients and stretches beautifully on a budget. It tastes like something you’d order at a family restaurant — just without the fuss. The layers of seasoned mince, melted cheese, and soft tortillas bake into the most satisfying stack. It’s ideal for busy weeknights. It’s great for meal trains or when you need to feed a few extra mouths.

This recipe makes two full stacks. You can enjoy one now and keep one for leftovers. Or share the second with loved ones. It’s also incredibly flexible. Use beef, chicken, pork, venison, or whatever mince you have on hand. Feel free to swap beans or add extra veg. It’s the kind of recipe that just works.

Watch the Video

Catch the full step-by-step on my YouTube channel, Farmers Wife Homestead.
Quick Budget Meal -Tortilla Stack | This Just Might Be My Favourite Recipe EVER!

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More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

Link these inside your post after uploading:

• Loaded Fries with Bacon & Cheese
• Homemade Nacho Seasoning
• Make-Ahead Full Breakfast Bake | The Ultimate One-Dish Feast
• Cherry Pie | Buttery Crust & Juicy Cherry Filling

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Mexican-Style Tortilla Stack

Serves: 6–8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 kg beef mince
  (or swap for chicken, pork, or venison)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 Tbsp nacho powder
• 2 tsp garlic powder or 2 tsp crushed garlic
• 2 tsp onion powder
• 1 tin of beans
  (I used baked beans — kidney beans, black beans, or mixed beans all work)
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• ¾ cup water
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 1 tsp salt
• 4 cups grated cheese
  (or measure with your heart — highly recommended!)
• 12 x 8-inch tortillas
  (Makes two full stacks)

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Method

1. Preheat oven to 170°C fan bake.
2. Cook the mince:
   Heat a large pan over medium heat. Add the beef mince and diced onion. Cook until the mince is browned and the onion has softened.
3. Season well:
   Add the nacho powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Stir through to evenly coat the mince.
4. Add the beans and sauce base:
   Add the tin of beans, tomato paste, water, and frozen corn. Mix well and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the mixture:
   Let the filling cook for 5–7 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
   Tip: The beef mixture works best when it’s still hot for stacking.
6. Assemble the stacks (makes two):
   On an oven tray or in two baking dishes, place the first tortilla down.
   Add a spoonful of the hot mince mixture. Sprinkle over a generous handful of cheese. Then repeat with 5–6 layers for each stack.
7. Top with cheese:
   Finish each stack with a final tortilla and plenty of cheese on top.
8. Bake:
   Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and everything is heated through.
   Cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly.
9. Garnish:
   Top with mashed avocado, whipped sour cream, and sprinkle with spring onions or fresh parsley.
10. Slice and serve warm.

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Stacey’s Kitchen Tips

• Make one, freeze one: Assemble the second stack and freeze before baking for an easy meal later.
• Use what you have: Swap baked beans for kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, or mixed beans.
• Cheese tip: A mix of mozzarella + colby melts beautifully.
• Feeding a crowd? Cut into wedges like a pie and serve on a platter.
• Add extra veg: Grated carrot, zucchini, or chopped capsicum blend in beautifully.

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Variations

• Spicy version: Add chilli flakes, chipotle, or jalapeños.
• Veggie-loaded: Add diced capsicum, grated carrot, or extra corn.
• Creamy version: Mix a little cream cheese into the mince layer.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortillas.

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Serving Suggestions

This tortilla stack pairs perfectly with:

• Fresh tomato salsa
• Corn chips + guacamole
• A crisp green salad
• Roast or air-fried vegetables
• Mexican rice
• A quick coleslaw with lime dressing
• Pickled onions (so good on top!)

If you’re entertaining, slice the stacks into wedges. Serve them with bowls of toppings. Everyone can then build their own plate.

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Final Thoughts

This Mexican-Style Tortilla Stack is a fantastic recipe to keep in your rotation. It’s fast and filling. It uses simple ingredients you can adapt to whatever’s in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding your own family or sharing a meal with friends, this dish always hits the spot. If you give it a go, let me know how it turned out. Enjoy every cheesy, delicious layer!

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