Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mexican Lasagna is a perfect combination of hearty ground beef, melty cheese, and flavorful taco seasoning. The layers of soft, slightly crispy corn tortillas add texture, while the fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles provide a smoky kick. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or hosting a gathering, this Mexican Lasagna will be a hit. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, and the leftovers taste just as great the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (2 cloves)

• ¼ cup taco seasoning (2 packets)

• ½ cup water

• 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain)

• 4 ounce can green chiles

• 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 18 corn tortillas, divided

• 6 cups shredded jack and cheddar cheese, divided

• 1 medium tomato (for garnish)

• 1 bunch green onions (for garnish)

• Sour cream (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onions are soft.

3. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, and cook for a few minutes until well combined.

5. Add the fire roasted diced tomatoes (juices included), green chiles, and black beans. Stir to combine and heat through.

6. Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with 6 corn tortillas, overlapping slightly.

7. Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheese over the top.

8. Repeat the layering process with more tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese for a total of three layers.

9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.

10. Garnish with diced tomatoes and green onions, and let the casserole sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

11. Serve with sour cream on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Meat alternatives: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, shredded chicken,  or even a vegetarian substitute like beans, or even a vegetarian substitute like

• Add more vegetables: You can easily add frozen or canned corn to the meat mixture, or even sauté bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for an extra boost of veggies.

• Spicy kick: If you like your food on the spicier side, add sliced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture.

• Cheese options: Mix up the cheese blend with other varieties like mozzarella, pepper jack, or queso fresco for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or bake the casserole at 350°F until warmed through. If reheating a larger portion, you can cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out in the oven.

FAQs

1. How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the Mexican Lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking, or bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

2. Can I freeze Mexican Lasagna?

Yes, Mexican Lasagna can be frozen. After assembling, wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 50-60 minutes, or until heated through.

3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

While corn tortillas are traditional in this recipe, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Keep in mind that they won’t provide the same texture, but they’ll still work well.

4. Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, shredded, or beef all make excellent substitutes for ground beef in this dish.

5. How do I prevent the tortillas from getting too soggy?

The key is to make sure you use enough moisture in the form of tomatoes or salsa, but not too much. If preparing in advance, the tortillas will absorb more liquid, making them softer. If you prefer a firmer texture, bake the lasagna right after assembling it.

6. Can I add more cheese?

Yes! If you love cheese, feel free to add more to each layer or sprinkle extra on top before baking.

7. How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is mildly spicy due to the taco seasoning and green chiles, but you can adjust the heat by adding more chiles or jalapeños if you want it spicier.

8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef with beans, tofu, or any other protein source. You can also add extra vegetables for more flavor and texture.

9. What sides should I serve with Mexican Lasagna?

Serve this dish with a side of Mexican rice, a simple salad, or guacamole and chips for a complete meal.

10. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Make sure to spray the slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

This Mexican Lasagna is a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, and savory corn tortillas, it’s packed with bold flavors and is simple to prepare. Whether you make it for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, it’s a dish that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it’s versatile, so you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and it might just become your new go-to lasagna!