Corn Tortilla Casserole

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Tina recently e-mailed me with this awesome corn tortilla recipe, and I knew I had to put my own unique spin on this Mexican lasagna.  Plus, it was super easy to prepare.

 

Also, I heart recipes with only six ingredients.

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I used a dark leafy kale as my green, but I think I would use spinach if I made this again.  I’ve got nothing against kale… I just don’t think it’s my ‘thing.’  I try to like it, though!  Anything this vibrantly green must be good for me.  🙂

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Corn Tortilla Casserole

 

Ingredients (for four servings):

 

  • 16 mini corn tortillas
  • 1 can marinara sauce
  • 1 can dark kidney beans, drained
  • 2 cups loosely packed kale
  • 1/4 cup onion
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (which provides a cheesy flavor.  You could also just use real cheese)

 

Directions:

 

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Grease a small (8×8) casserole dish and add a thin layer of marinara sauce to the bottom.
  • You’re going to make four layers of tortilla, so use four tortillas per layer.
  • Put down the base tortilla layer.
  • On top, add 1/3 beans, 1/3 nutritional yeast, 1/3 onion, 1/3 kale, and 1/3 remaining pasta.

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  • Top with tortillas and repeat again and again.
  • Your top layer will include the last of the kale, onion, yeast, beans, and sauce.

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  • Cover with tin foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove and let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Cut into four and serve.

 

It was really delicious and totally easy.  I’m not sure how well this will freeze, but I’ll give it a shot!

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Oh, and I also made Anne’s 5-Minute bars this morning.  I skipped the coconut and subbed in sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.  So delicious.   I highly recommend her recipe!

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A Book Update

 

Since a few people have asked me, I thought I’d provide a book update!

 

If you’ve been reading for a while, you know that I wrote my first book, Operation Beautiful: Transforming the Way You See Yourself One Post-It Note at a Time, from September 2009 to December 2009.  It was published in August 2010.

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I just wrapped up my second book, which is another Operation Beautiful-style book, but for young girls.  I turned in my draft on February 10th and will get first edits back soon.  The book will be published in Summer 2012.

 

You might have noticed that I’m kind of on ‘stay-cation’ and only working on the blogs and clinic stuff lately – no writing.  That’s because I’m taking a vacation from writing in preparation of starting my third (!!) book next month.  My third book will be based on this blog and will include all sorts of awesome tips from me + other real people (don’t you hate health books with totally unrealistic plans?), as well as recipes and inspirational stories.

 

I have been greatly enjoying my no-writing break.  I didn’t realize how stressed out I was until I finished the second book and got some down time.  I’ll be revving things back up soon, but until then… I’m seriously lovin’ relaxing.   🙂

 

If you could take a stay-cation, what would you catch up on?  I’ve been catching up on sleep, nail painting, and weeding my garden!

{ 104 comments }

 

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans February 24, 2011, 1:27 pm

    That tortilla casserole looks fantastic. I am such a fan of anything that is Mexican inspired to be honest!!

    Can’t wait to hear more about the 3rd book!

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews February 24, 2011, 1:28 pm

    That looks awesome! I make stuff like that with zucchini.

  • Stacy @ Every Little Thing February 24, 2011, 1:29 pm

    I would def catch up on housework and probably make some new recipes. I would also love to read more, esp in the sun!

  • Nicole @ Yuppie Yogini February 24, 2011, 1:29 pm

    My post this afternoon asks the same question bc I’m taking a stay-cation in a week. I can’t wait to sleep late, go to yoga, READ BLOGS!, and do no-thing!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write February 24, 2011, 1:30 pm

    🙂 Yay! I cannot imagine how excited you are to write this third book. I bet it feels “more you,” if that makes sense? I’m so, so happy for you. You are living the dream, girl – know it, and love it! Congratulations!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:21 pm

      It feels more personal to ME, yes! It’s fun.

  • Jess@atasteofconfidence February 24, 2011, 1:31 pm

    I’d read, sleep, and sleep some more:)

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) February 24, 2011, 1:31 pm

    A third book?! That’s so awesome! when will they be making movies out of your books? Has anyone bought the rights yet?! 😉

  • Holly @ Couch Potato Athlete February 24, 2011, 1:32 pm

    How cool to be writing your THIRD book!?!?! Good for you.

    On a staycation I like to read, watch movies, SLEEP, call friends/family members I don’t talk to often enough, and I usually try to tackle one “big” project in the house — whether it is cleaning out a closet, painting, etc. It feels good to make progress.

    I am making that tortilla casserole for sure!

  • Natalia - a side of simple February 24, 2011, 1:33 pm

    My mom makes a similar Mexican Tortilla Pie and we seriously down it like its going to vanish. All the flavors just blend together in a perfect melty-goodness!

    Congratulations on all your book accomplishments. You totally deserve some much needed rest time (though, you’re still pretty busy if you ask me!).

  • Taryn February 24, 2011, 1:33 pm

    I would try to catch up on my scrapbooking….

  • Allison @ Food For Healing February 24, 2011, 1:34 pm

    that casserole looks so good, im needing some one dish simple meals, and this looks like winner.

    stay-cations..only in my dreams haha. I would love to be able to not work at my job that i am at and be able to focus solely on school, eating healthy, blogging and going to the gym.. the things i truly want. but ive gotta make money some how.

  • Kara February 24, 2011, 1:34 pm

    Do you have some sort of dishwashing kitchen monkey? I don’t know if I’m more impressed with your creativity in the kitchen or your ability to wash so many pots and pans. 🙂

    3 books before the age of 30 is pretty epic!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:20 pm

      I hate dishes with an undying passion.

  • Freya February 24, 2011, 1:34 pm

    Ooh the 3rd book sounds amazing!
    I would catch up on blog work and reading…my G Reader is out of control! And TV shows – I’ve missed soo much recently :'(

  • Kristina @ spabettie February 24, 2011, 1:35 pm

    ha! I just said (out loud, to myself) that I need to find time to give myself a manicure… 🙂

    that casserole looks fabulous – I’m with ya on the kale, I just prefer spinach!

  • Courtney @ The Granola Chronicles February 24, 2011, 1:36 pm

    What a fabulous recipe – go Tina! 🙂

    I would LOVE a staycation – I have so many books to read, recipes to try, and homemade bath salt that needs to be used!

  • Heather February 24, 2011, 1:38 pm

    I would paint my house and redo my kitchen, it needs a makeover bad!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat February 24, 2011, 1:39 pm

    WOW a third book!? That’s amazing! If I could take a stay-cation, I think I’d read, write some blog posts, do yoga, get some massages (long overdue!) and see friends that I’ve been wanting to see for ages now!

  • annette @ enjoyyourhealthylife February 24, 2011, 1:40 pm

    a THIRD book?! That rocks!! More of you to love, I guess 🙂 For a stay-cation I’d do another certification, clean out my closets, and deep clean the house…… Maybe I should take one of those, eh?!

  • Lisa February 24, 2011, 1:42 pm

    That looks delicious! I love easy recipes like this one. (and anything I can add sour cream to!)

  • Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table February 24, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Glancing at the pictures, I thought you had stuff this mix into a squash… and now I want to make it in an acorn squash for dinner. 🙂

    Congrats on wrapping up book #2. The 3rd sounds like it ill be a good one. Looking forward to seeing what you create!

  • Vikki February 24, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Knitting and writing would be what I would want to do, but I’d probably clean.

  • Victoria (District Chocoholic) February 24, 2011, 1:44 pm

    I hope you’re enjoying your stay-cation. If I had one…I’d…uh…do my taxes. And buy a couch already. I’m 30 and don’t own a couch. I own my condo, but not a COUCH. Ridiculous.

  • Leanne February 24, 2011, 1:45 pm

    We take “day-cations” to my parents cabin (which is 1 hr away) in the summer & its SO nice. I can’t wait for it to warm up so we can start going out there again.

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} February 24, 2011, 1:46 pm

    Wow congrats on book #3! You are one busy lady!

  • Kelly February 24, 2011, 1:48 pm

    I had one of those the week between quitting my old job and starting my new one. I did a lot of baking, cooking, and relaxing. IT was great.

  • Carolyn @ lovinlosing February 24, 2011, 1:50 pm

    I’m a HUGE fan of down time and don’t think I could EVER be a workaholic. 😉

  • Carolyn @Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well. February 24, 2011, 1:53 pm

    You love recipes with 6 ingredients… I love recipes with ingredients AND that are vegan. Thanks for sharing.

    Question though… would a enchilada sauce be better since this is kinda Mexican-y? Or did the marinara taste fine?

    Stay-cation…. sleep, read, garden, and organize.

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:20 pm

      I think the enchilada sauce would be overwhelming – or maybe a mix of both?

  • cindylu February 24, 2011, 1:54 pm

    The casserole reminds me of my mom’s lazy enchiladas, but once made they look like chilaquiles (breakfast dish made of tortillas and red or green salsa, often topped with cheese).

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) February 24, 2011, 1:56 pm

    Definitely on polishing my nails…I wish I had more time to do that. I also want to do more yard work and gardening. Enjoy your time off!

  • Sara @ OurDogBuffy February 24, 2011, 1:58 pm

    Repaint the rooms in our house that need it–badly. Our yard needs some TLC too.

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) February 24, 2011, 2:08 pm

    I absolutely can’t wait for all of the books in your future! 😀

    If I could have a stay-cation, I would catch up on some good reading by the pool. And go out for a nice long walk on the beach. 🙂

  • Megan February 24, 2011, 2:14 pm

    Mmmm looks delicious! Where can you find nutritional yeast (frozen, canned, etc)? I HATE cheese with a passion and would love to make more things like this but get stuck at the cheese line of recipes! 🙂
    Amazing accomplishment on the book! So impressive.

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:19 pm

      Bulk bins!

      You can also replace cheese with hummus – it’s creamy and works in casseroles and quiches.

  • Johanna B February 24, 2011, 2:26 pm

    Oooh Caitlin, I love the idea for your new book. I will be first in line to buy a copy.

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me February 24, 2011, 2:33 pm

    I try so hard to like corn tortilla’s but I just find them totally gross. Blegh. Flour are not very healthy but I have to use them. I do try to use wheat tortilla’s but in mexican casseroles it just doesn’t work haha.

  • Kacy February 24, 2011, 2:38 pm

    Congrats! I’d enjoy working out on my own time and not having to squeeze it in when “the man” makes me.

  • Baking 'n' Books February 24, 2011, 2:39 pm

    Whoa – that’s insane!!! Congrats on the 3rd deal! When’s the first draft due? Are you going with the same agent and publishing company?

    Did they accept the idea right away or hard to sell?

    Sorry…question-Mc-questioninn here…;)

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:18 pm

      Draft is due September 2010, same agent, same publisher 🙂

      It was a moderately long selling process 🙂

  • Joanna@ Drizzle of Sunshine February 24, 2011, 2:42 pm

    Congrats on the book deal! It’s so awesome to see you coming out with more and more books! I will definitely support and buy them 🙂

    If I had a stay-cation I would definitely sleep in, watch Netflix and organize some rooms!

  • Teresa (Teresa Tastes & Travels) February 24, 2011, 2:42 pm

    Bet it would be good with chard, too. 🙂

  • salah@myhealthiestlifestyle February 24, 2011, 2:43 pm

    mmm that casserole looks amazing!

  • Ellen February 24, 2011, 2:52 pm

    that type of kale (dinosaur or lacinato kale) is actually a lot like spinach in flavor but the difference is that it must be cooked for a much longer time. the kind of spinach we get in the store is actually “baby spinach” so it is very tender and it cooks almost immediately. i bet you would like kale more if you blanched it before using it 🙂

    congrats on your 3rd book, and enjoy your staycation!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:18 pm

      Yes! It was lacinato – so beautiful!

  • sarah (sarah learns) February 24, 2011, 3:02 pm

    i would catch up on reading real BOOKS, my magazine subscriptions, cleaning my apartment, and seeing my friends!

  • ashleigh February 24, 2011, 3:09 pm

    That looks so good Caitlin!

    If I had a stay-cation I would probably work on organizing my apartment.

  • Allison @ Happy Tales February 24, 2011, 3:14 pm

    Good for you! I’m so pleased to hear that you’re taking some time for yourself. You SO deserve it! Things I’d catch up on? Reading all of the books in my want-to-read list!! And maybe go on more walks. I love walking in the spring/summertime!

  • Michelle (The Runner's Plate) February 24, 2011, 3:15 pm

    I much prefer spinach to kale as well.

    My stay-cation is coming in the form of spring break in one week–can’t wait! It is much needed! I plan to do a lot of running, baking/cooking, reading, blog work, etc.

  • erica February 24, 2011, 3:18 pm

    i SO need a staycation! i would catch up on sleep, housecleaning/decorating/renovating, reading–books/mags/blogs, movies, and wedding stuff!

  • Jessica M February 24, 2011, 3:23 pm

    I’m making this! I have a bunch of corn tortillas to use up!

    I need a staycation. I could clean house, decorate/organize, READ, and drink coffee and tea! Oh yeah, and maybe do our taxes!

  • Michele February 24, 2011, 3:26 pm

    Well, I asked this question on another ‘healthy blog’ and never received a reply; but I KNOW I can count on you.

    What is nutritional yeast? WHERE do you buy it? The grocery store?? If so, WHERE in the grocery store. LOL

    I’ve seen it used in multiple recipes but I’m clueless where to get it. Thanks Caitlin!!

    • Kailey (SnackFace) February 24, 2011, 4:00 pm

      Hey Michelle! I’m not Caitlin but I just read your comment and thought I could help. Here’s a link to where you can buy it and what it is: http://www.bobsredmill.com/nutritional-yeast.html

      It’s kind of a cheesy, protein0, chock-full-of b12 flake that you can add to basically anything!

      • Michele February 24, 2011, 4:06 pm

        Thank you so much Kailey; I buy several things of Bob’s Red Mill, but haven’t seen the nutritional yeast; at least I know where to look now.

        Thanks so much! ~Michele

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:17 pm

      I get it from the bulk bins!

      Thanks Kailey!

  • Alex @ Healing Beauty February 24, 2011, 3:34 pm

    I really admire you for all of your accomplishments. Congratulations!!

  • Jen @ keepitsimplefoods February 24, 2011, 3:35 pm

    If I had a stay-cation (which I just might if the gov’t shuts down), I would focus on the final edits of my children’s novel that I’ve been writing for the past year and a half. I had big hopes to have it done in a year’s time, but life just got in the way. I still work on it, but a solid chunk of time would help me do some serious damage.

  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun February 24, 2011, 3:38 pm

    Love your spin on it! Especially adding some green.

    And for a stay-cation I’m all for finding a way to fit in a massage. They are so rare for me so it would certainly feel like a vacation to have one.

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey February 24, 2011, 3:42 pm

    I use my entire summers as “staycations” 🙂

  • Lisa February 24, 2011, 3:48 pm

    Oh that looks so good! I’m not much of a fan of kale either though.

    I can’t wait for your HTP book. I bet it will be great.

    PS – I don’t think the link is working. It took me to another page on your site.

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:17 pm

      What link?? Sorry!

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 24, 2011, 3:52 pm

    What a tasty looking dinner!!!

  • Kailey (SnackFace) February 24, 2011, 4:01 pm

    Congratulations on the third book! I am truly amazed right now!!!

  • Parita @ myinnershakti February 24, 2011, 4:08 pm

    Yay, congrats!!! If I could go on a “staycation,” I would definitly get cozy on my couch and catch up on all the books I’ve been wanting to read and all the movies I’ve been wanting to watch. 🙂 Maybe one of these days…

  • Julie (A Case of the Runs) February 24, 2011, 4:14 pm

    Staycations are enough sometimes! Wish I had one of those right now, he he.

    That casserole definitely looks make-able, thanks for posting a “nooch” version!

  • Camille February 24, 2011, 4:27 pm

    I will definitely be buying that third book! Sounds great! Good luck with it all!

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:15 pm

      Thank you Camille!

  • Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) February 24, 2011, 4:28 pm

    Anne’s bars look great, I love no bake granola bars. And sunflower seed butter is my #1 nut butter!

    Tina’s bake idea that you ran with…I have been doing all kinds of veggie bakes lately with beans, nooch, veggies, and tomato paste or salsa. So easy and good!

    Staycation…I’d catch up on errands, life, emails, and more unstructured play time with my daughter not having to rush off somewhere.

  • Shari February 24, 2011, 4:39 pm

    I echo what everyone’s said — huge congratulations on both the second and (upcoming) third books. That must be the most amazing feeling, to have all your hard work come to fruition like that 🙂

  • M February 24, 2011, 4:53 pm

    Hot yoga, reading over a glass of wine,and SLEEP
    (unfortunately more likely laundry and apt cleaning-ha!)
    but def more hot yoga-ahhhh!

  • sarah k. @ the pajama chef February 24, 2011, 4:57 pm

    congrats on the third book! that’s great 🙂

  • Kristyn February 24, 2011, 5:23 pm

    Congrats on the third book! That is so fantastic…..what a great and unique idea. Real stuff from real people. I heart it!

    I think I’d catch up on grad work (seriously got to get past this procrastination business I’m pulling on myself.tisk tisk) and some yoga back into my running routine. Ahh….makes me less stressed just thinking about it. Have a great night! =)

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:15 pm

      Hope you got all your work done!

  • Ali @ Ali Runs February 24, 2011, 5:46 pm

    Enjoy the down time and congratulations on your next book!! That’s so exciting, I can’t wait to read it. 🙂

  • Kate (What Kate is Cooking) February 24, 2011, 5:46 pm

    I would like to catch up on doing nothing. That sounds good right now!

  • Courtney February 24, 2011, 5:58 pm

    I’d want to watch every House episode ever while eating Cheerios 🙂 sounds good to me

  • Sarah February 24, 2011, 6:05 pm

    Your staycation is like most people’s normal work day. You’ve earned it, so enjoy 🙂 You are an inspiration!

  • Amber K February 24, 2011, 6:17 pm

    Sleep is great and diving into books is the best. I try to do as much as I can of both!

    That casserole looks yummy. I always tried to like kale, but it’s just not for me. Even kale chips, blech! Way too bitter.

  • Kathie February 24, 2011, 6:17 pm

    ohmigosh! thank you so much for the awesome, EASY recipe. I cannot wait to try this!!

    I noticed you were relaxing and taking a stay-cation. I had a feeling it was due to an upcoming writing announcement. I would soooo purchase that next book. Im excited for you!

    here’s a question tho, after the third book is published, do you think you’ll have anything to write for a fourth book? I ask because in three books it will have seemed that you touched on almost everything already. =)

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:14 pm

      I already have the idea for book four 🙂

      BUT

      First I’m going to relax, renovate a house, and have a baby. And blog.

      • Kathie February 24, 2011, 8:40 pm

        Very cool — For all of it!! =)

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 24, 2011, 6:29 pm

    I get to have a 2 month stay-cation every summer, and I use it to cook/bake, clean, exercise, etc..

  • Tracy @ Commit To Fit February 24, 2011, 7:35 pm

    Congrats on a third book! A stay-cation of sleep, sipping hot chocolate and blog surfing all day 🙂

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul February 24, 2011, 7:53 pm

    I’d probably be reading more and preparing/planning for my wedding! in a bout a year from now~ 🙂

  • kell February 24, 2011, 7:59 pm

    . . . i love that your idea of a vacation is only working TWO jobs instead of three 🙂

    • Caitlin February 24, 2011, 8:13 pm

      I’m twisted 😉

      • kell February 24, 2011, 8:35 pm

        i would just call you ‘driven’!! (well, or superwoman)
        but really, thanks for being such a positive demonstration of the impact one person can have on the world with a little drive and determination, i know i am inspired!

      • kell February 24, 2011, 8:39 pm

        no – i would call you driven (well, or superwoman)!! but really, thank you for being such a positive demonstration of the impact one person, with a little drive, determination,and hard work can have on the world. i know i am inspired!!

  • amanda (life in bloom) February 24, 2011, 8:42 pm

    A third book! That is so great, I’m so happy for you!!

  • Cyndi @ Weightless Life February 24, 2011, 9:18 pm

    If I could take a stay-cation I would spend the whole thing reading. Enjoy your time off!

  • Lee February 24, 2011, 10:01 pm

    We have a ton of home improvement to do. I would do that on a stay-cation. Also, Tina is awesome. And I’ve had three glasses of wine. Ignore me. She is awesome though.

  • JenATX February 24, 2011, 10:37 pm

    I would clean every corner of my room! And then I’d probably redecorate it (assuming I had a big budget haha). Every summer I try to find a few things I am missing in my room (curtains, decorative pillows, cute throw) but as soon as school starts my project ends because I am too busy.. maybe someday itll happen!

  • Rachel @ Healthy Teacher February 25, 2011, 1:25 am

    I love casseroles, so this is right up my alley.

  • Emmanuelle February 25, 2011, 9:15 am

    Oh my I would catch up on sleep and reading. That’s kind of my dream job right now: getting paid to sleep and read. And eat and practice yoga for me. Oh, and surf the net like crazy but it could be good to get a digital sabbatical at some point.

    But hey, I have to pay my invoices. I work my ass off at day job + some freelance gigs + yoga teacher training + starting teaching yoga, I can’t complain 🙂

  • Miranda February 25, 2011, 12:50 pm

    I would catch up on sleeping and painting nails, that sounds lovely! (I might throw in some house cleaning too! lol)

    Love the looks of that corn casserole, I was just contemplating lunch and think I might try a smaller version for myself today! Yum!

  • Mary (What's Cookin' With Mary) February 25, 2011, 1:20 pm

    B and I just had a staycation. We pretty much caught up on sleep, watching movies and organizing our guest room closets.

    Your casserole sounds yummy! I love using nutritional yeast to get the cheesy flavor.

  • Julia @ Brides Up North February 28, 2011, 9:15 am

    Caitlin – well done on finishing book 2 and starting book 3 – I will defo be buying both. Been working hard on my own blog and I have to say you are my biggest inspiration.

    Julia
    Brides Up North

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