Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Zesty Mexican Lasagna Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Layers of zesty flavors dance together in this mouthwatering mexican lasagna that promises a culinary adventure.

Tortillas replace traditional pasta, creating a vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish.

Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and bold spices weave through each delectable layer.

Dinner becomes an exciting fiesta of textures and tastes that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The blend of Mexican-inspired ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Serve this crowd-pleasing mexican lasagna and watch as smiles spread and plates empty in record time.

Mexican Lasagna Bold Flavor Preview

  • Spice Up Family Dinner: This Mexican lasagna transforms ordinary weeknight meals into a zesty, crowd-pleasing feast that keeps everyone asking for seconds.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels to match your family's taste preferences without complicated cooking techniques.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup means more time enjoying delicious food and less time scrubbing dishes, making this recipe a practical choice for busy households.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or casual gatherings, this dish serves multiple people with minimal preparation and maximum flavor satisfaction.

What Goes In Mexican Lasagna

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the Mexican lasagna.
Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: These ingredients add depth and savory notes to the beef mixture.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its classic Mexican-inspired taste.
  • Salsa: Provides extra moisture and tangy flavor to the beef mixture.
Vegetable Components:
  • Black Beans, Corn: Add texture, nutritional value, and authentic Mexican-style ingredients to the dish.
Base and Binding Ingredients:
  • Flour Tortillas: Serve as the layering base, similar to pasta in traditional lasagna.
  • Shredded Cheese: Adds creamy texture and helps bind the layers together.
Garnish:
  • Sour Cream, Cilantro: Fresh toppings that provide a cool and bright finish to the Mexican lasagna.

Building Layers For Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Meat Magic

Toss ground beef into a sizzling skillet with:
  • Diced onions
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown.

Drain away any extra grease.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Mix in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Taco seasoning
  • Salsa
  • Black beans
  • Corn

Let everything bubble and mingle for 5-10 minutes, creating a mouth-watering filling.

Step 4: Create Tasty Layers

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub.

Lay down flour tortillas to create the first base layer.

Spread a generous scoop of the beef mixture over the tortillas.

Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Repeat and Build

Continue building delicious layers, alternating tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.

Make sure your final layer is a beautiful blanket of cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes.

Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Slice and serve up this crowd-pleasing Mexican feast!

Making Mexican Lasagna Even Better

  • Select ground beef with lower fat content to reduce grease and create a healthier dish without sacrificing flavor.
  • Slightly overlap tortillas to prevent gaps and ensure every bite has a perfect mix of ingredients and cheese.
  • Drain salsa and canned beans well to prevent the lasagna from becoming soggy and maintain a crisp texture.
  • Modify taco seasoning intensity by adding mild or hot versions based on your family's heat tolerance and preference.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make cutting and serving easier.

Fresh Takes On Mexican Lasagna Styles

  • Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with black beans, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a plant-based protein-packed version.
  • Chicken Charro: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Low-Carb Zest: Use lettuce wraps or zucchini slices instead of tortillas to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
  • Gluten-Free Fusion: Substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas or gluten-free tortilla alternatives to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

How To Plate Mexican Lasagna Creatively

  • Fresh Family Feast: Serve this Mexican Lasagna with vibrant sides that complement its zesty flavors.
  • Colorful Companion Salad: Toss together crisp romaine, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to add freshness and crunch.
  • Fiesta Rice Delight: Prepare cilantro-lime rice with diced bell peppers and a sprinkle of queso fresco for a perfect accompaniment that absorbs the lasagna's rich sauce.
  • Cool Cream Topping Adventure: Add generous dollops of sour cream, sliced avocado, and chopped fresh cilantro to enhance the dish's creamy texture and bright herbaceous notes.

Storage Tips For Mexican Lasagna Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of salsa to maintain moisture.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

  • Is Mexican Lasagna spicy?

The heat level depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. Use mild ingredients for a less spicy version or add hot salsa for extra kick.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, crumbled tofu, or additional beans like black and pinto beans.

  • What type of tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas are recommended for this recipe because they hold layers together better and provide a softer texture compared to corn tortillas.

  • How can I add more protein to the dish?

Include additional protein by adding shredded chicken, ground turkey, or increasing the amount of black beans in the meat mixture.

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Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Mexican Lasagna Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy layers of Mexican lasagna dance with zesty flavors, blending cheesy tortillas and seasoned meat into a mouthwatering fiesta. Comfort meets culinary creativity in this hearty dish you’ll crave from first bite to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Meat:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 pound ground chicken

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) black beans
  • 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) corn kernels
  • 1 cup frozen corn
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (10 ounces / 283 grams) diced tomatoes with green chiles

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup salsa
  • 12 small flour tortillas
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375°F, preparing a casserole dish with light cooking spray.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, combining diced onions and minced garlic until meat is completely cooked through.
  3. Drain any accumulated fat, then incorporate taco seasoning, stirring thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
  4. Add salsa, black beans, and corn to the meat mixture, allowing ingredients to meld together for 8-10 minutes on low heat.
  5. Create the first layer in the baking dish by arranging tortillas to completely cover the bottom surface.
  6. Spread a generous portion of the seasoned meat mixture across the tortilla base, ensuring even coverage.
  7. Sprinkle a substantial layer of shredded cheese over the meat, creating a rich and melty foundation.
  8. Repeat layering process with additional tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese, building multiple tiers of flavor.
  9. Finish the final layer with a thick blanket of cheese for a golden, crispy top.
  10. Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese becomes golden and edges turn slightly crisp.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow layers to set.
  12. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream before serving.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content and make the dish healthier.
  • Swap flour tortillas with whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a more nutritious alternative.
  • Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavors.
  • Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 482 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 31 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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