Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Cozy Mexican Lasagna Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors in Every Bite

Tucked between layers of tortillas and spicy fillings, this Mexican lasagna bursts with vibrant southwestern flavors that dance across your palate.

Colorful ingredients tell a story of culinary fusion and comfort.

Melted cheese creates a golden blanket over seasoned meats and fragrant vegetables.

Culinary traditions merge in this playful dish that reimagines classic comfort food.

Crisp tortillas replace traditional pasta sheets, bringing a delightful crunch to every bite.

Hearty and satisfying, this recipe promises a meal that will spark conversation and delight hungry guests.

You’ll fall in love with every cheesy, zesty forkful of this crowd-pleasing creation.

Suggestions for Mexican Lasagna Mastery

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier version of this Mexican-inspired dish.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that still packs flavor.
  • Use low-sodium taco seasoning and enchilada sauce to control salt intake and make the recipe more diet-friendly.
  • Enhance the dish's nutrition by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the beef mixture for more texture and vitamins.
  • Prepare the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld together for an even more delicious meal when baked.

Fun Spins on Mexican Lasagna

  • Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Chicken Chilango: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter, tender alternative.
  • Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and pepper jack cheese to boost heat and flavor intensity.
  • Green Chile Edition: Use green enchilada sauce instead of red, and incorporate roasted green chiles for a tangy southwestern profile.

Ways to Serve Mexican Lasagna Best

  • Fiesta Feast Night: Slice this Mexican lasagna into perfect wedges and serve alongside zesty mexican rice or fresh green salad with lime vinaigrette for a complete dinner experience.
  • Party Platter Perfection: Cut into smaller squares and present as an appetizer during game day or potluck gatherings, garnished with extra cilantro and dollops of sour cream for crowd-pleasing bites.
  • Fresh and Bright Accompaniments: Top each serving with diced avocado, fresh pico de gallo, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions to add vibrant colors and fresh flavors that complement the rich, hearty layers.
  • Leftover Lunch Remix: Transform cold or reheated slices into a delicious wrap by rolling them in fresh tortillas with additional salsa and a handful of crisp lettuce for a quick next-day meal.

Save Mexican Lasagna for Next Time

  • Store leftover Mexican Lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
  • Wrap portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Mexican Lasagna freezes beautifully for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in the oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • Divide into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight meals. Label with the date to track freshness and maximize storage time.

FAQs

  • How spicy is this Mexican Lasagna?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. Use mild salsa and seasoning for less heat, or choose hot varieties for a spicier dish. You can always adjust heat by selecting your preferred salsa and seasoning intensity.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat, tofu crumbles, or additional black beans. Keep all other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian Mexican Lasagna.

  • What type of cheese works best?

Shredded cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack cheese are excellent choices. These melting cheeses provide great flavor and creamy texture. Avoid fresh cheeses like mozzarella, which won’t brown as nicely.

Mexican Lasagna – Layers of Flavor Await

  • Customize with Ease: Swap kielbasa for chicken or swap broccoli for your favorite vegetable, making this recipe super adaptable to your pantry and preferences.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this single-skillet meal that combines protein, grains, and veggies in one delicious, hassle-free dish.
  • Nutrition Packed Meal: Combines lean protein from kielbasa, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty rice, creating a balanced and satisfying dinner that keeps you full and energized.
  • Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults will love the cheesy, comforting flavors, making this a go-to meal that pleases everyone at the dinner table without complicated ingredients.

Must-Have Ingredients for Mexican Lasagna

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful base that provides the main protein for this Mexican-inspired lasagna.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients add depth and aromatic richness to the meat mixture.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Taco Seasoning: A blend of spices that gives the dish its signature Mexican-inspired taste.
  • Black Beans, Corn: These ingredients add texture, nutrition, and authentic Mexican flair to the lasagna.
  • Salsa: Provides moisture and a tangy, zesty flavor to the beef mixture.
For the Sauce and Cheese:
  • Enchilada Sauce: A traditional Mexican sauce that adds moisture and authentic flavor to the dish.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a creamy and rich layer throughout the lasagna.
For the Tortillas and Garnish:
  • Tortillas: Acts as the layering base, similar to pasta in traditional lasagna.
  • Cilantro: A fresh herb that adds a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.

How to Make Mexican Lasagna Easily

How to Make Mexican Lasagna Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and cook the ground beef over medium heat until it transforms into a rich, golden-brown delight.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them dance and soften in the pan, releasing their mouthwatering fragrance.

Step 4: Spice It Up

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and add these delicious ingredients:
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Salsa

Let everything mingle and simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a flavor-packed mixture.

Step 5: Sauce the Baking Dish

Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce across the bottom of your baking dish, creating a zesty foundation.

Step 6: Layer Like a Pro

Start building your Mexican lasagna with these layers:
  • Tortillas
  • Beef mixture
  • Cheese
  • Enchilada sauce

Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients, making sure to finish with a generous cheese topping.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until it’s bubbling with excitement and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes, sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top, and get ready to dive into a fiesta of flavors!

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Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Mexican Lasagna Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mexican lasagna combines layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese in a zesty, satisfying dish. Hearty flavors and simple ingredients make this fusion meal a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to share with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 8 small flour tortillas
  • 1 can enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can corn, drained
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 375F, preparing a baking dish with a light coating of enchilada sauce to prevent sticking.
  2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, thoroughly draining any excess fat.
  3. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until they become translucent and fragrant.
  4. Integrate taco seasoning into the meat mixture, creating a robust flavor profile.
  5. Fold black beans, corn, and salsa into the seasoned beef, allowing ingredients to meld for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Create layers in the baking dish, alternating between tortillas, meat mixture, shredded cheese, and enchilada sauce.
  7. Ensure the final layer is topped with a generous sprinkle of cheese for a golden, crispy surface.
  8. Transfer to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and edges are bubbling.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to settle and ease cutting.
  10. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot, revealing the colorful layers when sliced.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that’s equally hearty and delicious.
  • Use whole wheat tortillas to boost fiber content and create a more nutritious meal without compromising flavor.
  • Choose low-fat cheese options to reduce calories while maintaining the creamy, melty texture that makes this dish irresistible.
  • Enhance protein by adding quinoa or extra beans to the beef mixture, creating a more filling and balanced one-pan meal.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 490 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 26 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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