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Layered Meatless Tortilla Pie Recipe
Meatless Tortilla Pie
This is a very simple meatless dish that can be made up any number of ways. It is very easy to make but at the same time, a great source of protein. Beans make a great vegetarian meal and are recommended as a meat substitute at least once per week.
The original recipe called for this to be baked on a cookie sheet. I used a springform pan while I was assembling it to keep it stacked. I also used a cut-out of parchment paper to keep it from sticking just in case. After stacking the layers, I removed the outer part of the springform pan though in the future, I may go ahead and leave it on and merely cover the top with a piece of foil.
For this recipe, I used uncooked tortillas from TortillaLand (purchased at Costco). I cooked each tortilla separately in a skillet over medium heat (no oil or butter).
Ingredients for Tortilla Pie
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) low sodium pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup mild picante sauce
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 can (15 ounces) low sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 small or several small tomato or roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 7 flour or artisan tortillas, 8 inch diameter
- 8 ounces shredded cheese, cheddar, white cheddar or Monterey jack
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Chopped green onions, optional
- Chopped tomatoes, optional
- Avocado slices, optional
- Additional salsa or picante sauce, optional
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving size: 1 slice | |
| Calories | 549 |
| Calories from Fat | 162 |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Fat 18 g | 28% |
| Saturated fat 9 g | 45% |
| Carbohydrates 71 g | 24% |
| Fiber 16 g | 64% |
| Protein 27 g | 54% |
| Cholesterol 40 mg | 13% |
| Sodium 1139 mg | 47% |
| * The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet, so your values may change depending on your calorie needs. The values here may not be 100% accurate because the recipes have not been professionally evaluated nor have they been evaluated by the U.S. FDA. | |
Instructions for Vegetarian Pie
- Mash pinto beans in a medium bowl using a masher or a fork or use an immersion blender.
- Add 3/4 cup of the picante sauce and garlic - stir to combine. Set aside.
- Combine 1/4 cup of picante sauce, cilantro, black beans and tomato. Set aside.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 1 uncooked tortilla in the center of the sheet. Ladle 3/4 cup of the pinto bean mixture onto the tortilla and spread to about 1/2-inch short of the edge all around. Top this with 1/4 cup of cheese.
- Top with another tortilla and spread 2/3 cup of the black bean mixture on top of this in the same manner. Sprinkle this layer with 1/4 cup cheese.
- Repeat the pinto bean layer and the black bean layer 2 more times. Top with the 7th tortilla. Spread the top tortilla with the pinto bean mixture.
- Cover the entire pie with aluminum foil. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until the filling is hot and cheese is melted in between layers. Remove aluminum foil. Top with the remaining cheese. Return to oven if desired for a few minutes to semi-melt the cheese.
- Let stand for 5 or so minutes. Top with chopped green onions and serve with additional salsa, sour cream, and avocado.
Making Bean Tortilla Pie
After draining and rinsing pinto beans, let drain again.
Use an immersion blender or fork to mash pinto beans.
Blend mashed pinto beans, 3/4 cup picante and garlic. Set aside.
After draining and rinsing black beans, drain thoroughly.
Combine remaining picante, black beans, cilantro and tomatoes.
Spread 3/4 cup of pinto bean mixture on bottom tortilla and top with 1/4 cup cheese.
Spread 2/3 cup of black bean mixture on 2nd tortilla. Top with 1/4 cup cheese.
Repeat these two layers twice more. Top with last (7th) tortilla. Spread with remaining pinto beans.
Cover with foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
Remove from oven and top with remaining cheese. Let melt or return to oven to melt.
More Thoughts on Tortilla Pies
There are many ways you could revamp this recipe - here are just some of the ways I plan on using it in the future.
- use different kinds of tortillas
- make your own homemade tortillas - yum!~
- use low fat or nonfat cheese - or cheese substitute
- feel free to use less cheese
- different sizes of tortillas could make bigger or smaller pies
- use different kinds of beans for different taste
- soak your beans and cook them fresh
- substitute chicken or beef for the black beans
- add cumin to the recipe
- substitute mostly drained pico de gallo for the picante sauce
- add 1/4 cup fresh corn to the black bean mixture
- use a green or red enchilada sauce and fresh tomatoes to equal 1 cup picante
- add diced green chilies to the recipe to taste
- top tortilla pie with sliced black olives
- place tortilla pie on plate surrounded by mixed greens and tomatoes (shown)
- serve with sour cream, avocado and more fresh tomatoes
- make an Italian version of tortilla pie substituting pasta sauce and white beans with Italian cheese and flatbread instead of tortillas
