Description
Easy Taco Lasagna is a delicious and simple weeknight dinner that fuses spicy taco flavors with the comforting layers of traditional lasagna. This hearty dish combines seasoned ground meat, refried beans, cheese, and either lasagna noodles or tortillas, baked to perfection for a cheesy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy evenings or meal prep.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein and Base
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 2 tbsp)
- 1/4 cup water (for taco meat sauce)
Layers
- 9 lasagna noodles, boiled and drained (or 9 soft flour tortillas)
- 1 cup refried beans
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheddar cheese
- 1 cup tomato sauce or salsa
- 1/2 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Optional Toppings
- Sliced jalapeños
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat and Sauce: Brown ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat. Stir in taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer until the mixture thickens and is well combined.
- Cook the Noodles or Prepare Tortillas: If using lasagna noodles, boil them according to package instructions until al dente, then drain. Alternatively, use soft flour tortillas without cooking for a quicker preparation.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a spoonful of tomato sauce or salsa on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Layer noodles or tortillas, then spread a portion of seasoned meat, refried beans, shredded cheese, and sprinkle some chopped onions and garlic. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown.
- Let It Cool and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving to set the layers.
Notes
- Don’t overload each layer with too much sauce to avoid sogginess and a watery casserole.
- Add fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro just before serving for brightness and contrast.
- Double the cheese by mixing some into the layers and sprinkling extra on top for melty, cheesy goodness.
- Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh the next day to enhance the flavors.
- Customize the heat by adjusting the taco seasoning or adding sliced jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg