Pastel Azteca (Mexican Tortilla Layer Bake)
Layers of corn tortilla, chicken, roasted poblano and cheese in red chilli sauce, baked until bubbling like a Mexican lasagne.
Made with Chile colorado sauce and Corn tortillas from masa harina and Shredded chicken (pollo deshebrado). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.69 a head
- Oven200°C (180°C fan)
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Heat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Heat the oil in a pan and cook the onion and poblano strips for 8 minutes until soft.
8 min - 2
Mix your shredded chicken (see the base recipe) with 100 ml of the sauce.
- 3
Spread 4 tablespoons of your ready made chile colorado sauce (see the base recipe) over the base of a 22 cm square dish. Lay 4 corn tortillas (see the base recipe) over it, tearing to fit.
- 4
Add half the chicken, half the pepper mixture, a layer of sauce and a quarter of the cheese. Repeat with another layer of 4 tortillas.
- 5
Finish with the last 4 tortillas, the remaining sauce, soured cream and the rest of the cheese.
- 6
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling and golden. Rest for 10 minutes before cutting.
27 min 30 s
Tips
- Warm the tortillas first so they do not crack when layered.
- Rest the bake for 10 minutes so it holds together when sliced.
- Grated Chihuahua or Oaxaca cheese are authentic. Mozzarella is a good UK swap.
Storing and freezing
Cool within 2 hours. Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the bake up to a day in advance and chill. Add 10 minutes to the baking time.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Replace the chicken with sauteed mushrooms and sweetcorn or black beans.
Is it gluten free?
It is if you use gluten free corn tortillas and gluten free stock in the sauce. Check all labels.
More made with chile colorado sauce
Nopales en Chile Colorado (Cactus Paddles in Red Chilli Sauce)
DFEFNFTacos Dorados de Papa con Chile Colorado (Crispy Potato Tacos)
DFEFNFEnchiladas Rojas de Pollo (Red Chicken Enchiladas)
EFNFCostillas de Cerdo en Chile Colorado (Red Chilli Pork Ribs)
DFEFNFDouble check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.