Mexican Lasagna Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that's packed with layers of deliciousness, this Mexican Lasagna is the perfect recipe for you! It's a fun, spicy twist on traditional Italian lasagna, swapping out the pasta for tortillas and adding in bold Mexican flavors like seasoned ground beef, salsa, black beans, corn, and plenty of cheese. This casserole-style dish is easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

this Recipe

What is Mexican Lasagna?

Mexican Lasagna is a layered casserole that combines traditional Mexican ingredients like ground beef (or chicken), taco seasoning, black beans, corn, cheese, and tortillas in place of lasagna noodles. It's baked until bubbly and golden, much like lasagna, but with bold, zesty flavors that give it a Southwestern twist. Think of it as a hybrid between tacos, enchiladas, and lasagna all rolled into one delicious dish!

Ingredients List for Mexican Lasagna

Before we begin, let's gather all the ingredients for this flavorful and satisfying Mexican Lasagna:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained (or 1 ½ cups frozen corn)
• 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
• 1 cup salsa (your favorite brand, mild or spicy)
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 8-10 small flour or corn tortillas (or large tortillas cut in half)
• 1 can (10 oz) enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
• Sliced black olives, jalapeños, and green onions (optional, for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily customize this Mexican Lasagna recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian Option: Make this dish vegetarian by omitting the meat and doubling up on black beans, pinto beans, or even adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
• Cheese Variations: Use any cheese you prefer, such as Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or sharp cheddar. A mix of cheeses works well for extra flavor.
• Spice Level: If you like it spicy, use a spicy salsa, add diced jalapeños, or use a spicier version of Rotel and taco seasoning.
• Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and ensure your taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this flavorful Mexican Lasagna step by step.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain off any excess fat.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Seasoning

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is soft. Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 4: Assemble the Mexican Lasagna

To assemble the lasagna, start by spreading a thin layer of enchilada sauce at the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This prevents the tortillas from sticking and adds flavor.

1. Lay 2-3 tortillas (or enough to cover the bottom of the dish) on top of the enchilada sauce. You can overlap or cut the tortillas to fit.
2. Spread half of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas.
3. Add dollops of sour cream (or Greek yogurt) on top of the beef mixture and gently spread it around.
4. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Repeat the layers:

• Add another layer of tortillas.
• Spread the remaining beef mixture on top.
• Add more dollops of sour cream.
• Top with Monterey Jack cheese or the remaining cheddar cheese.

Step 5: Top with Enchilada Sauce and Bake

Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer of tortillas and cheese. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the Mexican Lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced black olives, jalapeños, or green onions if desired. Serve hot with optional sides like guacamole, sour cream, and salsa.

How to Cook Mexican Lasagna: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps to make Mexican Lasagna:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ground beef with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning. Stir in black beans, corn, tomatoes, and salsa.
3. Assemble the lasagna by layering tortillas, the beef mixture, sour cream, and cheese.
4. Top with enchilada sauce and bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 10-15 minutes until bubbly.
5. Rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with cilantro, olives, and jalapeños if desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Lasagna:

• Not draining the ingredients: Be sure to drain the canned beans, corn, and tomatoes to prevent excess liquid from making the lasagna too watery.
• Overlapping too much: If you overlap the tortillas too much, some areas may not bake evenly. Try to arrange them in a single layer with minimal overlap.
• Overcooking the lasagna: Keep an eye on the casserole while it bakes. Overbaking can cause the tortillas to become too crispy and the cheese to burn. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s ready!

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Mexican Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance your presentation and serve it with complementary sides.

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna

• With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad or a Mexican-inspired salad with avocado, tomatoes, and a lime vinaigrette.
• With Guacamole: Serve with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and extra salsa for dipping or topping.
• With Rice and Beans: Pair the lasagna with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans or black beans for a more filling meal.

Presentation Ideas for Mexican Lasagna

• Garnish with herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley over the lasagna for a pop of color and freshness.
• Add extra toppings: Set out toppings like sliced avocado, sour cream, and jalapeños for guests to customize their servings.
• Serve in slices: Cut the lasagna into neat squares or slices and serve on individual plates with garnishes for a more formal presentation.

Mexican Lasagna Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! You can freeze it before baking (without the sour cream) or freeze the fully cooked casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A: Yes! Corn tortillas work just as well and are a great gluten-free option. They add a slightly different texture and flavor compared to flour tortillas.

Q: Can I make this casserole spicy?
A: Definitely! To add some spice, use spicy salsa, hot Rotel, or jalapeños in the layers. You can also top the casserole with sliced pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

Q: Can I make this Mexican Lasagna vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and replace it with extra black beans, pinto beans, or sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Conclusion

This Mexican Lasagna is a fun, flavorful, and hearty dish that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines. With layers of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, tortillas, and cheese, it’s a comforting casserole that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Whether you serve it with rice, guacamole, or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try tonight—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious the results are!

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