Mexican Lasagna

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mexican Lasagna is a hearty, flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, layered with tortillas instead of pasta and packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and zesty salsa. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings. This fusion dish brings together the best of Tex-Mex and Italian flavors in a satisfying, cheesy bake.

ingredients

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

ground beef or ground turkeyoniongarlictaco seasoningblack beanscornsalsa or enchilada saucetortillas (flour or corn)shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheeseolive oilsalt and pepperoptional toppings: sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, jalapeños

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until softened.

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.

Cut tortillas to fit the baking dish as needed.

Start layering: place a layer of tortillas on the bottom, followed by a layer of the meat mixture, and sprinkle with cheese.

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese on top.

Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

Let the lasagna sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Top with your favorite garnishes and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 35 minutesResting time: 10 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef for a quicker option.

Add a layer of cooked rice for an extra-filling lasagna.

Try green enchilada sauce for a tangier flavor.

Include sautéed bell peppers and zucchini for added vegetables.

Use spicy salsa or add hot sauce for a kick of heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes until hot.To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of tortillas work best?

Both flour and corn tortillas work well, but flour gives a softer texture while corn adds a more authentic Mexican flavor.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the meat and add more beans or vegetables.

Is this dish spicy?

It depends on your salsa or taco seasoning. Use mild options for a less spicy lasagna.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge until ready to bake.

What cheese is best?

A Mexican blend or sharp cheddar melts well and complements the other ingredients.

How do I prevent sogginess?

Let the lasagna rest after baking and use thicker salsa to avoid too much liquid.

Can I use refried beans?

Yes, refried beans can replace whole beans for a creamier texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe scales easily and can be baked in two dishes for a crowd.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely, it’s cheesy and flavorful without being too spicy for most kids.

Do I need to cover it while baking?

Yes, cover with foil initially to retain moisture, then uncover for the cheese to brown.

Conclusion

Mexican Lasagna is a flavorful, family-friendly dinner that combines the comfort of lasagna with bold Mexican ingredients. It’s easy to prepare, customizable to your taste, and perfect for both casual dinners and festive occasions. Once you try this tasty fusion dish, it might just become a new staple in your mealtime rotation.

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