If you’re looking for a dish that’s both hearty and packed with flavor, Mexican Lasagna is a perfect choice. It’s a fun twist on traditional lasagna, using tortillas instead of pasta and layering it with delicious Mexican-inspired ingredients like seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and salsa. This recipe is super easy to make and is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. It’s also customizable, so you can add your favorite ingredients to make it your own!
| Servings | Total |
| 8 | 45mins |
History of Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Mexican Lasagna is a fusion dish that combines the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the layered structure of Italian lasagna. It likely emerged in the United States, where Mexican-American fusion dishes have grown in popularity over the years. Unlike traditional lasagna, which uses pasta, this dish incorporates tortillas or even tortilla chips, offering a different texture and flavor profile. The dish is versatile, allowing cooks to mix in popular Mexican ingredients like beans, salsa, and plenty of cheese.
Why Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Mexican Lasagna is the perfect dish when you want something easy to make but still packed with flavor. It’s great for gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners because it can be made in advance, feeds a lot of people, and reheats well. Plus, the combination of ingredients makes it a comfort food that’s bursting with Mexican flavors. Whether you want to serve it with a side of salad or enjoy it on its own, this dish is always a hit!
What is Mexican Lasagna Made of?
Mexican Lasagna typically includes the following ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey: Cooked with taco seasoning for flavor.
- Tortillas: Used as the “pasta” layers, either flour or corn tortillas.
- Beans: Refried or black beans for texture and protein.
- Salsa: Adds moisture and flavor to each layer.
- Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend for that gooey, melty goodness.
- Corn: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Bell peppers and onions: For extra flavor and crunch.
- Taco seasoning: A mix of spices to season the meat.
- Sour cream and cilantro: For garnish and a fresh finish.
What to Have with Mexican Lasagna
Mexican Lasagna can be a full meal on its own, but if you’re looking to make the meal even more special, here are some great sides:
- Guacamole: A creamy and refreshing dip that pairs well with the flavors.
- Chips and salsa: A crunchy snack or side to enjoy alongside.
- Mexican rice: Adds even more flavor and makes the meal more filling.
- Salad: A light green salad with a tangy dressing to balance the richness of the lasagna.
- Cornbread: For a slight sweetness that pairs nicely with the savory lasagna.
Is Mexican Lasagna Healthy?
Mexican Lasagna can be made healthier depending on the ingredients you use. Opting for lean ground turkey instead of beef, using low-fat cheese, and adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini can lighten up the dish. Additionally, using whole-wheat tortillas or low-carb alternatives can help cut down on refined carbs. As with most casseroles, the amount of cheese and sodium can make it less healthy, so portion control is key!
Kitchen Equipment
- Large skillet: To cook the meat and vegetables.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling the lasagna layers.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping the veggies.
- Spatula: To stir and spread ingredients.
- Aluminum foil: To cover the dish while baking.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- 1 cup refried beans or black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups salsa (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Cook the meat: Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sauté veggies: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Layer the lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of salsa. Place 2 tortillas on top of the salsa. Add a layer of seasoned meat, followed by a layer of beans, corn, sautéed veggies, and a handful of cheese. Repeat these layers 2 more times, ending with tortillas on top.
- Top with cheese: Pour the remaining salsa over the top layer of tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Let the lasagna cool slightly, then garnish with sour cream and cilantro before serving.
Tips
- Make it spicier: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and double the beans and veggies for a plant-based version.
- Freeze it: This lasagna freezes well. Simply assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding about 20 minutes to the cooking time.
- Use low-carb tortillas: For a healthier option, you can use low-carb or whole-wheat tortillas.
Conclusion
Mexican Lasagna is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together the best of both Mexican and Italian cuisines. With layers of flavorful meat, beans, cheese, and tortillas, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or parties. Plus, it’s versatile—you can tweak the recipe to make it healthier, spicier, or vegetarian. Serve it with your favorite Mexican sides and enjoy!
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The Best Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Cutting board and knife
- Spatula
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas)
- 1 cup refried beans or black beans
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups salsa (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Instructions
- Set your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of salsa. Place 2 tortillas on top of the salsa. Add a layer of seasoned meat, followed by a layer of beans, corn, sautéed veggies, and a handful of cheese. Repeat these layers 2 more times, ending with tortillas on top.
- Pour the remaining salsa over the top layer of tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool slightly, then garnish with sour cream and cilantro before serving.