Pastel Azteca with a Twist

Ingredients

• 12 corn tortillas 12 corn tortillas
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 200g (7 oz) shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar) 200g (7 oz) shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or Cheddar)
• 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce 2 cups (470ml) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g)
• Carbohydrates: 28g (Sugar: 4g)
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onion is translucent and the spices are fragrant.
3. 3.
   Stir in the black beans and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. 4.
   In a separate saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Add the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Place 4 tortillas on top, overlapping slightly.
6. 6.
   Spread half of the ground beef and black bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese.
7. 7.
   Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top layer and sprinkle with additional cheese.
8. 8.
   Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Black beans — If you prefer a smoother texture, you can mash the black beans before adding them to the filling.
• Tomato sauce — Opt for a high-quality tomato sauce or make your own for a more authentic flavor.
• Tortillas — Corn tortillas are traditionally used in Pastel Azteca, but you can also use flour tortillas if desired.
• Cheese — Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination. Queso fresco or queso blanco can be used for a more authentic touch.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a smoky flavor, you can grill the tortillas before layering them in the dish.
• Customize the filling by adding diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
• Serve with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for added creaminess.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated the next day for a delicious lunch or dinner.

Serving advice

Serve the Pastel Azteca hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro and accompany it with a side of Mexican rice and a crisp green salad.

Presentation advice

When serving, cut the Pastel Azteca into individual portions, allowing the layers to be visible. The vibrant colors of the tomato sauce and melted cheese will make the dish visually appealing.