Name: Beef ‘n’ Bean Torta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487793H17M33S
Total time: PT-1H30M
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, chopped; 1 can (15 ounces) pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained; 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained; 1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained; 1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon pepper; 3 drops hot pepper sauce; 4 flour tortillas (8 inches); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Minced fresh cilantro, salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes (optional, for serving)

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Beef ‘n’ Bean Torta is a hearty, flavorful dish that layers seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and cheese between soft flour tortillas, all cooked together in a slow cooker. This dish is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun meal to serve to a crowd. The rich, savory layers of beef and beans are complemented by melted cheese and your choice of fresh toppings like cilantro, salsa, and sour cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Beef ‘n’ Bean Torta is the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist. The slow cooker does all the work, making it easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy. Each layer of tortillas, beef, beans, and cheese melts together into a deliciously satisfying meal. The versatility of toppings such as salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce lets you customize it to suit your tastes, while the hot pepper sauce adds just the right amount of kick. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) pinto or black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 drops hot pepper sauce
4 flour tortillas (8 inches)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Minced fresh cilantro, salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes (optional, for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the slow cooker: Cut four 20×3-inch strips of heavy-duty foil and arrange them in a crisscross pattern at the bottom and up the sides of a 5-quart slow cooker, resembling spokes of a wheel. Coat the strips with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook the beef mixture: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in the beans, diced tomatoes with green chiles, olives, chili powder, salt, pepper, and hot pepper sauce. Mix well.
Layer the torta: Spoon about 1-2/3 cups of the beef mixture into the prepared slow cooker. Place one tortilla on top, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process three more times, finishing with a final layer of beef mixture and cheese.
Cook the torta: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the torta is heated through and the cheese has melted.
Serve: Using the foil strips as handles, carefully remove the torta from the slow cooker and transfer it to a platter. If desired, sprinkle with minced cilantro and serve with salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, and chopped tomatoes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-5 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Different Toppings: Top with your favorite salsa, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of lime juice for added freshness.
Spicy: If you like extra heat, add more hot pepper sauce, chopped jalapeños, or even a few slices of spicy pickled peppers.
Different Cheese: Swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses to suit your taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in the oven (covered with foil) until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in a skillet on the stovetop.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas. The texture will be a bit different, but the flavor will still be delicious.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Then, layer the torta and cook in the slow cooker when you’re ready to eat.

3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes and chopped green chiles if you prefer. Just make sure to cook them down a bit to reduce excess moisture.

4. Can I make this in the oven instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can bake this in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted. Use a casserole dish instead of the slow cooker.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or store the entire torta in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.

6. Can I use a different type of meat?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.

7. How do I make sure the torta doesn’t get soggy?

Be sure to drain the tomatoes, beans, and olives well before adding them to the beef mixture. This will help reduce excess moisture and keep the torta layers from getting soggy.

8. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to the beef mixture for extra veggies and flavor.

9. How can I adjust the heat level?

To adjust the heat, you can add more or less hot pepper sauce, use mild diced tomatoes and green chiles, or swap in a milder salsa if you prefer less spice.

10. Can I make this without the foil strips?

The foil strips help with easy removal from the slow cooker, but you can skip this step and just use a regular slow cooker insert. Just make sure to serve the torta in the slow cooker insert or carefully remove it in portions.

Conclusion

Beef ‘n’ Bean Torta is a fun, flavorful dish that brings together the best of Mexican-inspired ingredients in a convenient, slow-cooked form. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, tomatoes, cheese, and tortillas, it’s a satisfying meal that can easily feed a family or a group of friends. Plus, the ability to customize the toppings and spice level makes it adaptable for everyone’s tastes. Enjoy this hearty, cheesy dish with your favorite sides for a truly delicious meal!