How to Make the Perfect Mexican Lasagna at Home

If you’re craving bold flavors and a hearty twist on a classic dish, Mexican lasagna is the fusion recipe you didn’t know you needed. Packed with layers of spicy meat, gooey cheese, and zesty salsa, this south-of-the-border spin on traditional lasagna is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Keep reading to discover how this irresistible dish brings the heat—and how easy it is to make!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup tomato salsa
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 can corn drained
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for garnish

Equipment

• 9 by 13 inch baking dish
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or a bit of cooking spray so nothing sticks later.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and let it sauté gently for 3 to 4 minutes. I like to stir just enough to prevent sticking but let them soften and sweeten a bit.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Brown it thoroughly, using your wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain off any extra fat to prevent greasiness in the final dish.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and taco seasoning. Let the spices bloom for about 1 minute, then pour in the salsa. Simmer everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.
5. Step 5: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, corn, and black beans. Mix until smooth and cohesive. This step creates the creamy base layer that gives your lasagna that luscious middle.
6. Step 6: Time to build the layers. Start with two tortillas at the bottom of the pan. I usually overlap them slightly to cover the base completely. Spread one third of the bean mixture across the tortillas, then add one third of the beef mixture. Sprinkle a generous handful of cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Repeat this process for two more layers — tortillas, bean mix, beef, cheese. On the final layer, top with two tortillas and finish with the remaining cheese. This gives you that golden bubbly top everyone loves.
8. Step 8: Cover the dish loosely with foil. Bake for 20 minutes to warm everything through. Then uncover and bake another 10 minutes so the top layer gets nice and melty with those fabulous cheesy edges.
9. Step 9: Let your Mexican Lasagna rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set up a bit so everything stays intact. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a fresh pop of flavor.

Nutrition per serving

Description

Mexican Lasagna is the delicious marriage of two beloved cuisines: traditional Italian comfort food and the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cooking. Imagine layers of seasoned beef, rich tomato salsa, creamy refried beans, and gooey melted cheese stacked between soft tortillas, creating a casserole that bubbles at the edges and fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Each bite is a fiesta of flavor, blending sweet corn, smoky spices, and a cheesy finish that’s as bold as it is comforting.

This dish is like a warm hug from your favorite aunt who always brings the best party food. It’s hearty and satisfying, perfect for feeding a hungry family or sharing at a casual potluck. Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just craving something spicy and satisfying on a weeknight, Mexican Lasagna is the full-flavored answer with plenty of cheesy drama in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mexican Lasagna is weeknight magic. It takes simple pantry staples, like tortillas and canned beans, and transforms them into a mouthwatering one-dish meal worth repeating week after week. It is layered like a lasagna but cooks faster and is easier to assemble, making it a go-to dinner for busy nights.

You will also love how flexible it is. Whether you are feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that reheat like a dream, Mexican Lasagna has you covered. It is a great way to use up leftover taco meat or rotisserie chicken, and the ingredients can easily be swapped to fit any dietary preference.

Serving and Storage Tips

Mexican Lasagna is best served hot right out of the oven, garnished with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a fresh green salad or scoop of guacamole for a balanced meal.

To store leftovers, allow the lasagna to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through.

For freezer storage, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe baking dish and cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

For extra flavor, stir a few tablespoons of chipotle sauce into the meat or add chopped green chiles to the bean mixture. Leftovers make fantastic next-day lunches or filling for burritos.

FAQ

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Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna is a comforting fusion of classic Italian lasagna and the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine. Layers of seasoned beef, tomato salsa, refried beans, sweet corn, and gooey cheese are stacked between soft tortillas for a hearty, weeknight-friendly casserole.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 430 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup tomato salsa
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 can corn drained
• 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 by 13 inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
• In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
• Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until fully browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
• Stir in the garlic and taco seasoning. Add the tomato salsa and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the refried beans, drained corn, and drained & rinsed black beans. Mix until creamy and evenly blended.
• Begin layering: Place two tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping as needed. Spread a third of the bean mixture on top, followed by a third of the beef mixture, then a sprinkle of cheese.
• Repeat the layering process two more times, finishing with tortillas on top and a generous layer of cheese.
• Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 430kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 24gFat: 24gSodium: 920mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4g

Keyword casserole, comfort food, Tex-Mex, weeknight dinner, easy dinner, Mexican lasagna

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