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Mexican Lasagna is a delicious fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting layers of a classic lasagna. Instead of pasta, this dish uses tortillas layered with seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and zesty salsa, creating a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy layering make this a go-to weeknight meal.
- Loaded with Flavor – A perfect mix of spices, cheese, and salsa for a bold, satisfying bite.
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels, switch up proteins, or add extra veggies.
- Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (optional)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (optional for spice)
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (red or green)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
1. Cook the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
2. Season & Simmer
Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, salsa, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
3. Assemble the Layers
In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place two tortillas to cover the base. Add a layer of meat mixture, a sprinkle of cheese, and a drizzle of enchilada sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
4. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Serve & Enjoy
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Make It Spicier: Use hot salsa or add chopped jalapeños.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
- Protein Swap: Use shredded chicken or ground turkey instead of beef.
- Extra Creamy: Add a layer of refried beans or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in portions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Both work well! Corn tortillas give the dish a more traditional Mexican flavor, while flour tortillas create a softer texture. If you're gluten-free, opt for corn or a certified gluten-free tortilla.
For extra heat, use spicy salsa, hot enchilada sauce, or add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also sprinkle in extra chili powder or cayenne pepper.
Yes! Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Some great toppings include sour cream, avocado slices, guacamole, chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.
To lighten it up, use ground turkey instead of beef, reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, and add extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach to the meat mixture.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 7g
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Conclusion
Mexican Lasagna is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the best of both worlds—layers of cheesy, savory goodness with classic Mexican ingredients. Whether you make it spicy, creamy, or veggie-packed, it’s a guaranteed hit for any meal.
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Mexican Lasagna
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Description
Mexican Lasagna is a delicious fusion dish that combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting layers of a classic lasagna. Instead of pasta, this dish uses tortillas layered with seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and zesty salsa, creating a hearty and satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano)
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel)
- ½ cup salsa
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained (optional)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (optional for spice)
- 1 (10 oz) can enchilada sauce (red or green)
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 2 minutes. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, salsa, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
- In a greased 9×13 baking dish, spread a small amount of enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place two tortillas to cover the base. Add a layer of meat mixture, a sprinkle of cheese, and a drizzle of enchilada sauce. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream, cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
Notes
Customize with different proteins, extra veggies, or a spicier kick with jalapeños and hot salsa. Freezes well for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 25g
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