The Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack is a hearty and flavorful dish that pays homage to the cowboy cooking traditions of the Old West. This dish features layers of seasoned ground beef, baked beans, tomatoes, corn, green chilies, and barbecue sauce, all sandwiched between flour tortillas. Topped with melted cheese, this tortilla stack is a delicious and satisfying meal that is reminiscent of the rugged chuck wagon cooking style popularized during cattle drives.

The Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack draws inspiration from the iconic chuck wagon, which was a vital part of cowboy life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These wagons were used to transport and provide meals for cowboys on long cattle drives across the American West.

Chuck wagon cooks, often called “cookie,” had limited ingredients and equipment at their disposal. They had to be resourceful and creative, using ingredients that could withstand the harsh conditions of the trail. The Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack embodies the spirit of these trailblazing cooks, incorporating hearty ingredients that were readily available and could be easily stored and prepared.

This dish combines the flavors of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, corn, green chilies, and barbecue sauce to create a satisfying and robust meal. The layers of tortillas and melted cheese add a comforting and indulgent touch.

PREP: 15 MIN.

COOK: 40 MIN.

MAKES: 4-6 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (16 ounces) baked beans
• 1 can (14½ ounces) stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (11 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
• ¼ cup barbecue sauce
• 4½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 4 flour tortillas (10 inches)
• 1⅓ cups (about 5 ounces) shredded pepper jack cheese
• Shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, sour cream, and/or chopped tomatoes (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until the meat is no longer pink; drain any excess grease. Add the minced garlic, baked beans, stewed tomatoes, drained corn, chopped green chilies, barbecue sauce, chili powder, and ground cumin to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 10-12 minutes or until the liquid is reduced.
2. Coat a large deep skillet with cooking spray. Place one flour tortilla in the skillet and spread 1½ cups of the meat mixture over the tortilla. Sprinkle ⅓ cup of shredded pepper jack cheese on top. Repeat the layers three more times, ending with a tortilla on top.
3. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are heated through.
4. Cut the chuck wagon tortilla stack into wedges. Serve with optional toppings such as shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, sour cream, and/or chopped tomatoes.

Enjoy the flavors and heritage of the Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack, a delicious homage to the chuck wagon cooking style of the Old West!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS:

• Cowboy Style Side: Serve the Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack with a side of traditional cowboy-style baked beans. Prepare a batch of smoky and savory baked beans by simmering canned or cooked dried beans with bacon, onions, molasses, brown sugar, and a touch of barbecue sauce. The rich and flavorful beans will complement the tortilla stack, enhancing the cowboy-inspired dining experience.
• Southwestern Salad: Balance the heartiness of the Chuck Wagon Tortilla Stack with a refreshing Southwestern salad. Toss together a mix of crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced red onions, black beans, and corn kernels. Dress the salad with a tangy lime and cilantro vinaigrette. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors of the salad will provide a light and refreshing contrast to the rich and savory tortilla stack.