Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

This Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe is a cheesy and comforting recipe, which uses soft flour tortillas and rich mascarpone cheese. It’s a creative twist on lasagna, ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

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Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe Ingredients

For the Mince Filling:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 500g (1lb 2oz) beef mince
  • 1 mild red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 red pepper, deseeded and diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp ground coriander
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 1–2 tbsp mango chutney
  • 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
  • 1 small bunch fresh coriander, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

To Assemble:

  • 3 large flour tortilla wraps
  • 250g (9oz) full-fat mascarpone cheese
  • 100g (3½oz) mozzarella, grated
  • 100g (3½oz) cheddar, grated
Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe
Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

How To Make Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

  1. Sauté the base: Preheat the oven to 160°C / 140°C Fan / Gas 3. Pour the oil into a large ovenproof frying pan or casserole dish over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and fry for 3 minutes. Increase the heat, add the beef mince, and fry until browned, using a wooden spoon to break up any lumps.
  2. Add spice and simmer: Add the chopped chilli, diced red pepper, crushed garlic, cumin, and ground coriander. Fry for 5 minutes until the moisture evaporates and the mixture is quite dry. Stir in the tomato purée, mango chutney, tinned tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Cover with a lid, bring to a boil, and transfer to the oven to simmer for an hour. (This makes the meat incredibly tender).
  3. Prep for assembly: Remove the meat from the oven. Stir in half of the chopped fresh coriander. Increase the oven temperature to 200°C / 180°C Fan / Gas 6.
  4. Layer the bake: Spread one-third of the cooked mince mixture over the bottom of a shallow ovenproof dish. Lay one flour tortilla wrap on top. Spread one-third of the mascarpone over the tortilla, then sprinkle with one-third of the mixed mozzarella and Cheddar.
  5. Repeat and bake: Repeat this layering process (meat, tortilla, mascarpone, cheese) twice more, so you have 3 layers in total. Bake in the hot oven for about 25 minutes until the top is deep golden-brown and bubbling.
  6. Serve: Let the dish stand for 5 minutes to settle (this makes it easier to slice). Garnish with the remaining fresh coriander and serve.
Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe
Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

Recipe Tips

  • Spreading Mascarpone: Mascarpone can be stiff. As Mary suggests, it is often easier to spread the mascarpone onto the tortilla before placing it into the dish, rather than trying to spread it over a hot tortilla inside the dish.
  • The Mango Chutney: Don’t skip this ingredient! It provides a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the spices, giving the dish a rounded flavor profile.
  • Simmering Time: The hour-long simmer in the low oven is crucial for developing the flavor and softening the mince. If you are in a rush, you can simmer it on the stovetop for 30 minutes, but the oven method is superior.
  • Tortilla Size: If your tortillas don’t perfectly fit your dish, feel free to trim them or tear them to fit the edges.

What To Serve With Mary Berry Mexican Bake

This is a rich and heavy dish, so light and fresh sides work best.

  • Guacamole: Fresh avocado dip complements the Mexican flavors.
  • Green Salad: A crisp salad with vinaigrette cuts through the cheese.
  • Sour Cream: A cool dollop on the side.
  • Corn on the Cob: A simple, sweet vegetable side.
Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe
Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

How To Store Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze: This dish freezes brilliantly. You can freeze it uncooked (after assembly) or cooked. Wrap the dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Thaw completely in the fridge. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until piping hot throughout.

Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 650
  • Total Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 35g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving based on 6 servings.

FAQs

Is this dish spicy?

No, it is quite mild. One mild chili and a tablespoon of spices spread over a large dish provides flavor rather than heat. If you want it spicy, keep the seeds in the chili or add cayenne pepper.

Can I use turkey mince?

Yes, turkey mince is a leaner alternative that works well with these spices. You may need to add a splash of water during the simmering stage as turkey is drier than beef.

What if I don’t have mascarpone?

You can use full-fat cream cheese or crème fraîche, though mascarpone offers the richest, creamiest melt.

Try More Recipes:

Mary Berry Mexican Bake Recipe

Course: DinnerCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 

25

minutes
Calories

650

kcal

A family-favorite “Mexican Lasagna” layering spiced beef chili, soft flour tortillas, and creamy mascarpone cheese, baked until golden and bubbling.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp oil

  • 2 onions, chopped

  • 500g beef mince

  • 1 red chili, chopped

  • 1 red pepper, diced

  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 1 tbsp cumin

  • 1 tbsp coriander

  • 2 tbsp tomato puree

  • 1-2 tbsp mango chutney

  • 2 tins (400g) chopped tomatoes

  • 3 flour tortillas

  • 250g mascarpone

  • 200g mixed grated cheese (cheddar/mozzarella)

Directions

  • Fry onions and mince until brown.
  • Add peppers, chili, garlic, and spices. Cook 5 mins.
  • Add tomatoes, puree, and chutney. Cover and bake at 160°C for 1 hour.
  • Increase oven to 200°C.
  • Layer: 1/3 meat, 1 tortilla, 1/3 mascarpone, 1/3 cheese. Repeat x3.
  • Bake for 25 minutes until golden.
  • Rest for 5 minutes and serve.

Notes

  • Assembly Tip: Assemble the dish up to 6 hours ahead and keep it in the fridge; just bake when ready to eat.
  • Texture: Ensure the meat sauce is “quite dry” before assembling, or the tortillas will become too soggy.

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