Mediterranean Taco Casserole 

A fusion of taco flavors with Mediterranean ingredients like olives, tomatoes, herbs, and feta.

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Meat Layer

• 500g ground beef, chicken, or turkey

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup tomato sauce OR crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

Mediterranean Add-Ins

• 1/2 cup black olives or Kalamata olives, sliced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup corn (optional)

• 1/2 cup black beans (optional, not traditional Mediterranean but great in casserole)

For Layering

• 5–6 whole-wheat tortillas, cut into triangles (or use pita triangles!)

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (mozzarella or a Greek blend)

• 1/3 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Toppings (Optional but Recommended)

• Chopped parsley or cilantro

• Sliced avocado

• Greek yogurt or tzatziki

• Fresh lime wedges

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🍽️ Instructions

1. Cook the Meat

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add onion and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes.

3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.

4. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.

5. Stir in:

   • Tomato sauce

   • Paprika

   • Cumin

   • Oregano

   • Chili powder

   • Salt & pepper

6. Let simmer 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

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2. Add Mediterranean Ingredients

Stir in:

• Olives

• Cherry tomatoes

• Corn/beans (optional)

Remove from heat.

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3. Layer the Casserole

Use a medium baking dish:

Layering order:

1. A thin layer of the meat mixture

2. Tortilla (or pita) triangles

3. Meat mixture

4. Shredded cheese

Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with cheese + feta on top.

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4. Bake

• Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

• Bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling and golden.

• Let rest 5 minutes before cutting.

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5. Serve

Top with:

• Greek yogurt or tzatziki

• Fresh herbs

• Avocado

• Lime

Serve warm!

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🌿 Variations & Tips

Make it Low-Carb

Use zucchini slices instead of tortillas.

Make it Spicy

Add red chili flakes or sliced jalapeños.

Make it Vegetarian

Swap meat for:

• Lentils

• Chickpeas

• Crumbled tofu

• Mushrooms + beans

More Mediterranean Flavor

Add:

• Spinach

• Artichokes

• Roasted red peppers

• Extra oregano or lemon zest