Mexican Lasagna Recipe

If you’re craving the bold flavors and hearty textures of Tex-Mex cuisine, this Mexican Lasagna transforms classic ingredients into an irresistible layered casserole. Imagine layers of tender corn tortillas, seasoned beef, black beans, melty cheese, and zesty tomatoes all coming together for a comforting meal that’ll have everyone at your table asking for seconds. With just a bit of prep, this dish is weeknight-friendly but impressive enough for a crowd—Mexican Lasagna is truly a fiesta on your fork!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for Mexican Lasagna! The best part? Each ingredient is familiar, easy to find, and plays a vital role in building those crave-worthy Tex-Mex layers—no fancy tricks or substitutions required.

• Ground Beef: Provides the hearty, savory base for the lasagna and soaks up all the delicious spices.
• Yellow Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth as it softens with the beef.
• Minced Garlic: Just a couple of cloves infuse the filling with aromatic warmth—don’t skip it!
• Taco Seasoning: Using taco seasoning packets keeps things simple while packing in loads of Tex-Mex flavor.
• Water: Helps meld the seasoning and beef mixture into a saucy, savory filling.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: These add smoky, tangy notes along with delicious juiciness—make sure not to drain away those flavorful juices.
• Green Chiles: One can of green chiles brings a gentle kick and a hint of brightness.
• Black Beans: Creamy, protein-rich beans make this Mexican Lasagna extra satisfying and filling.
• Corn Tortillas: Stacked in layers instead of pasta, these bring authentic flavor and a rustic, satisfying bite.
• Shredded Jack and Cheddar Cheese: This cheesy blend melts beautifully and creates those golden, gooey layers everyone loves.
• Fresh Tomato: Diced and scattered on top for a burst of juicy freshness right before serving.
• Green Onions: Sliced thin for an irresistible garnish—these contribute fresh color and zesty crunch.
• Sour Cream: Dolloped on each serving for creamy coolness—the perfect final touch!

How to Make Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your favorite 9×13 casserole dish and give it a generous spritz of non-stick cooking spray. This little step guarantees your Mexican Lasagna slices will come out perfectly, with all those cheesy edges intact!

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced yellow onion. Break up the beef as it cooks and let those onions get translucent and soft. This base sets up all the savory flavors to come.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Sauté

Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another one to two minutes, just until fragrant. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point—trust me, this step gives your filling a wonderful depth.

Step 4: Season the Meat Mixture

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water. Stir everything together over medium heat, making sure the beef is evenly coated in those signature Tex-Mex spices.

Step 5: Mix in Veggies and Beans

Now, stir in the entire can of fire roasted diced tomatoes (yes, with the juice!), the green chiles, and the drained black beans. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the filling comes together and the flavors can mingle.

Step 6: Build the First Layer

Lay six corn tortillas in the prepared baking dish, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom completely. They’ll act as the “pasta” in our Mexican Lasagna, soaking up the sauce while holding their chewy texture.

Step 7: Add Filling and Cheese

Spoon one third of the meat mixture over your layer of tortillas, spreading to the edges. Then sprinkle two cups of the shredded cheese blend over the top—don’t be shy here! This creates the gooey, melty layers everybody craves.

Step 8: Layer and Repeat

Continue layering: Add another six tortillas, another third of the meat mixture, and another two cups of cheese. Repeat one more time, finishing with the last third of filling and topping it with the final generous layer of cheese.

Step 9: Bake It Up

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, melted masterpiece that’s heated through to the center.

Step 10: Garnish and Rest

Once it’s out of the oven, sprinkle the lasagna with fresh diced tomato and green onion for a burst of color and flavor. Let it cool for 10 minutes—this resting time is crucial for easy slicing and serving (and keeping those legendary layers intact!).

Step 11: Serve with Sour Cream

Slice up your Mexican Lasagna and serve each portion with a lovely dollop of sour cream. The creamy contrast is unbeatable—you’ll savor every bite!

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna

Garnishes

When it comes to finishing touches, Mexican Lasagna absolutely shines with a sprinkle of bright diced tomatoes, a handful of vibrant green onions, and of course, a generous spoonful of cool sour cream. Don’t forget a dash of chopped cilantro or some sliced jalapeños if you like extra freshness or a hint of heat!

Side Dishes

Serve your Mexican Lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette, warm tortilla chips and salsa, or a simple bowl of Mexican rice. The richness of the casserole pairs delightfully with fresh or crunchy sides, making your meal even more festive.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, try baking your Mexican Lasagna in individual ramekins for a fun, personalized touch. For family-style dining, slice it into large squares and serve buffet-style so everyone can help themselves. You can even top each slice with a drizzle of hot sauce or a handful of crushed tortilla chips for a playful crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge! Simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or transfer portions into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors just meld and deepen with time.

Freezing

This recipe is a meal-prep dream! Assemble the Mexican Lasagna up to the baking step, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for a piping hot, make-ahead meal.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works well too—just place a slice on a plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in one-minute bursts until hot.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative all work great in Mexican Lasagna, so feel free to swap based on preference or ingredients on hand.

How do I keep corn tortillas from getting soggy?

Layering the tortillas with filling gives them just enough time to absorb flavors without disintegrating. Letting the lasagna sit before slicing also helps everything firm up.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble Mexican Lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake—perfect for busy schedules or entertaining!

What cheese works best?

A blend of jack and cheddar melts beautifully and delivers classic flavor, but feel free to add pepper jack for a little heat, or use whatever shredded cheese you love most.

Is this dish spicy?

Mexican Lasagna is mild to medium thanks to the green chiles and taco seasoning, but you can adjust the heat up or down by choosing your favorite taco seasoning and adding (or omitting) jalapeños.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s packed with flavor, try Mexican Lasagna—it’s comfort food with a fiesta twist! Each bite delivers gooey cheese, zesty beef, and all those Tex-Mex favorites. Gather your loved ones, give it a go, and watch this new favorite disappear from the table!

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