If you love the comfort of a classic lasagna but crave bold, zesty flavors, then Mexican Lasagna is about to be your new favorite dish! This recipe takes all the best parts of a traditional lasagna—layered goodness, hearty filling, and melty cheese—and gives it a fun Tex-Mex twist.
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Picture layers of soft tortillas, seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and a rich, spiced tomato sauce, all baked together into a warm, bubbly masterpiece. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Mexican Lasagna
This dish isn’t just about the layers—it’s about creating a meal that’s satisfying, flavorful, and fun to make. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Comforting & Hearty
A warm, cheesy, and filling meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Quick & Easy to Make
No need to boil pasta—just layer and bake!
Crowd-Pleaser
A hit with both kids and adults, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready—perfect for busy days.
Customizable
Swap ingredients to fit your preferences—use chicken, beans, or go vegetarian!
Ingredients in Mexican Lasagna
Each layer in this dish is packed with flavor, making every bite irresistible:
Ground Beef or Turkey: Cooked with taco seasoning for a rich, spiced filling.
Taco Seasoning: Brings in all the bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors.
Onion & Garlic: Adds depth and enhances the meaty filling.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: The base for a saucy, slightly tangy layer.
Black Beans: Adds texture, protein, and a bit of earthiness.
Corn: A sweet contrast that balances out the spices.
Flour or Corn Tortillas: Acts as the “noodles” in this lasagna.
Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack for ultimate melty goodness.
Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to balance the flavors.
Cilantro & Green Onions: Fresh garnishes for a bright finishing touch.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Cook the Meat
In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. Add onion, garlic, and taco seasoning, stirring until fragrant.
Make the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Layer the Ingredients
In a greased baking dish, start with a layer of tortillas, followed by meat sauce, a sprinkle of cheese, and repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let it Rest
Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing—this helps it hold its shape.
Garnish & Serve
Top with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro before serving.
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna
With Fresh Toppings
Serve with extra sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or diced avocado.
Alongside a Salad
A crisp Mexican slaw or simple green salad pairs beautifully.
With Rice & Beans
Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans for a heartier meal.
For a Spicy Kick
Drizzle with hot sauce or jalapeño slices for extra heat.
As Leftovers
It tastes even better the next day—just reheat and enjoy!
Additional Tips
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the meat for more beans, mushrooms, or lentils.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey works great.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A4: Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat it?
A5: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Q6: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
A6: Yes! Corn tortillas work great and add an authentic Mexican touch.
Q7: How can I make it spicier?
A7: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra taco seasoning for heat.
Q8: What cheese works best?
A8: A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend is ideal.
Q9: Can I add extra veggies?
A9: Definitely! Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for more nutrition.
Q10: Can I make this dairy-free?
A10: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and coconut yogurt instead of sour cream.
Final Thoughts
Mexican Lasagna is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic dish that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it makes its way into your regular meal rotation!
Print
Mexican Lasagna
- Prep Time: 55 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Mexican Lasagna is a bold, cheesy, and satisfying twist on the classic! Layers of flavor-packed beef, creamy salsa verde filling, cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese, and tender lasagna noodles are baked to perfection. This make-ahead-friendly recipe is perfect for busy nights and leftovers taste even better!
Ingredients
Meat Filling:
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/3 cup tomato paste
- 4–6 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (4 oz) can mild chopped green chiles
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (or black beans)
- 1 1/2 cups frozen sweet corn
- 1 (6 oz) can chopped black olives, drained
- 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Layers:
- 15 regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil)
- 2 cups freshly grated Monterrey Jack cheese
- 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
Creamy Filling:
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mild salsa verde
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
1. Soak Noodles:
- Place lasagna noodles in a long pan.
- Cover with hot tap water and soak for at least 30 minutes, agitating occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Prep & Cook the Meat Filling:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, chili powder, and spices.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook beef and onions until almost done.
- Sprinkle in flour mixture and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste and garlic, cooking for 1 minute.
- Add broth, tomatoes, green chiles, cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon.
- Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in beans, corn, olives, and vinegar. Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Creamy Filling:
- In a bowl, whisk together sour cream, cream cheese, salsa verde, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix Monterrey Jack and cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Spread 1 cup meat sauce in the greased pan.
- Add 4 noodles lengthwise and a part of a 5th noodle to cover.
- Spread ¾ cup creamy filling over noodles.
- Sprinkle 1 cup cheese mixture over the creamy layer.
- Repeat 2 more times, layering meat sauce, noodles, creamy filling, and cheese.
- Finish with remaining meat sauce and cheese.
5. Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake 20 more minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Let stand 15 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with tomatoes, olives, avocado, cilantro, and sour cream.
Notes
- Make-Ahead: Assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- Freezing: Freeze before or after baking for a convenient meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and cayenne to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (out of 12)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg