Mexican Lasagna

Introduction

Looking for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines the best of Mexican flavors and Italian comfort food? This Mexican Lasagna layers tortillas, seasoned beef, beans, cheese, and salsa to create a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying casserole that your family will love.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this recipe is easy to assemble, customizable, and ready in under an hour. Say goodbye to traditional pasta and hello to a Mexican-inspired twist that’s bold, flavorful, and irresistible.

---

Ingredients

For the Meat Filling:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade: 1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp garlic powder, salt & pepper)
• 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

For the Layers:

• 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For Topping & Garnish:

• ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños or avocado (optional)

---

Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 50–55 minutes

This Mexican Lasagna comes together faster than traditional lasagna, thanks to tortillas replacing pasta sheets and the simple layering method.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
4. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Step 2: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Spread a thin layer of meat mixture on the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place 2–3 tortillas over the meat layer.
3. Spread another layer of meat and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.

Step 3: Bake

• Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve

• Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.
• Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and optional jalapeños or avocado slices.

---

Tips for Success

• Use soft tortillas for easy layering; slightly warm them to prevent cracking.
• Add extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for more nutrients.
• For extra cheesy goodness, mix part of the cheese into the meat mixture.
• Make ahead: Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

---

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	420
Protein	25g
Carbs	35g
Fat	20g
Fiber	6g

---

Healthier Alternatives

• Low-carb: Use low-carb or whole wheat tortillas.
• Lean protein: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
• Reduced fat: Use part-skim cheese and light sour cream.
• Vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or extra beans.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans on the side.
• Pair with fresh salad or guacamole for a balanced meal.
• Great for potlucks and parties; slice into small portions for easy serving.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overloading tortillas: Too much filling can make layers messy.
2. Skipping cheese layers: Cheese holds the lasagna together and adds flavor.
3. Undercooking meat: Ensure meat is fully cooked before layering.
4. Skipping rest time: Let lasagna rest before cutting to prevent falling apart.

---

Storing Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results; microwave works but may make tortillas soft.
• Freeze before baking for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding extra 5–10 minutes.

---

Conclusion

This Mexican Lasagna combines the best flavors of tacos and lasagna in a cheesy, flavorful, and easy-to-make casserole. Perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with family and friends.

👉 Try this recipe today, share your favorite toppings in the comments, and subscribe for more comforting Mexican-inspired dishes!

---

FAQs

Q1: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Yes! Slightly warm them to prevent cracking during layering.

Q2: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace meat with beans, sautéed veggies, or plant-based meat alternatives.

Q3: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q4: Can I make it spicier?
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or extra chili powder to the meat mixture.

Q5: Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.