Costa Rican Chilaquiles Tortilla Meat

Bring the vibrant flavors of Central America to your table with Costa Rican Chilaquiles Tortilla Meat, a hearty and satisfying dish that’s bursting with authenticity. Crispy, golden corn tortilla strips are lovingly fried and folded into a savory tomato-based sauce infused with seasoned ground beef, smoky cumin, fragrant oregano, and fresh vegetables like red bell pepper and onion. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of bright, herbaceous cilantro for a pop of freshness. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this traditional recipe takes just 45 minutes to prepare and pairs beautifully with black beans, a fried egg, or a dollop of tangy sour cream. Whether you're craving comfort food or exploring global cuisines, this Costa Rican classic offers a flavorful escape with every bite.

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 pieces Corn tortillas
• 500 grams Ground beef
• 4 large Tomatoes
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped Cilantro
• 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon, dried Oregano
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 120 milliliters Water

Directions

Step 1

Cut the corn tortillas into bite-sized strips or triangles, depending on preference.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortilla pieces in batches until golden and crispy. Remove them from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

Step 3

Dice the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper finely. Set aside.

Step 4

In a blender, combine the tomatoes (cut into chunks), half of the diced onion, one garlic clove, and the water. Blend until smooth, creating a tomato sauce.

Step 5

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, ground cumin, and oregano.

Step 6

Add the remaining onion, garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.

Step 7

Pour the blended tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Gently fold in the fried tortilla pieces, ensuring they are well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the tortillas absorb some of the flavor.

Step 9

Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top as a garnish before serving.

Step 10

Serve warm, optionally accompanied by a side of black beans, a fried egg, or a dollop of sour cream for an authentic Costa Rican experience.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1956.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2562.1

Total Fat 142.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 43.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 25.7g
Cholesterol 331.9mg	0%
Sodium 2817.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 224.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.8g	0%
Total Sugars 30.6g
Protein 116.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 417.0mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 3782.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.4%

Protein: 17.6%

Carbs: 34.0%