Easy Mexican Taco Lasagna Recipe
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix: You can use store-bought or make your own with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and salt.
- 1 cup (240ml) water: To mix with the taco seasoning.
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans: Adds a creamy texture. You can use black beans or pinto beans instead.
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies: This adds a nice kick and moisture to the dish.
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained: Adds sweetness and texture. Feel free to use frozen or fresh corn.
- 1 cup (240ml) salsa: Choose your favorite salsa, whether mild, medium, or hot, to control the spice level.
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas: Flour tortillas are softer, while corn tortillas add a bit more texture.
- 2 cups (8 oz) shredded Mexican blend cheese: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack cheeses work well. You can use just cheddar if preferred.
- Optional toppings: Chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, jalapeños, and lime wedges.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or lightly coat with oil.
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the water is absorbed, and the beef is well-coated with seasoning.
- Prepare the Bean Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and drained corn. This will be the filling that adds layers of flavor and texture.
- Layer the Lasagna:
- Place 4 tortillas on the bottom of the prepared baking dish, overlapping as necessary to cover the entire surface.
- Spread half of the seasoned ground beef evenly over the tortillas.
- Spoon half of the bean mixture over the beef.
- Drizzle 1/2 cup of salsa over the bean mixture.
- Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat the layers: tortillas, the remaining ground beef, the remaining bean mixture, another 1/2 cup of salsa, and 1/3 of the cheese.
- Top with the final layer of tortillas and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to cut and serve.
- Add Toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or jalapeños for extra heat. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. Use black beans or pinto beans instead of refried beans for a chunkier texture.
- Spiciness: Adjust the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa, and adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the layers if you like it spicy.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Assemble and freeze it before baking. When ready to enjoy, bake it from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour, covered with foil, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
This Easy Mexican Taco Lasagna is a fantastic fusion dish combining the comforting layers of traditional lasagna with the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a meal-prep option that lasts for days, this recipe has you covered. Customize it with your favorite toppings and enjoy a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!