Spicy Mexican Lasagna Recipe: A Fiesta of Layered Flavors

Every home cook craves a Mexican lasagna that breaks free from traditional boundaries.

Layers of tortillas, seasoned meat, and melted cheese create a fiesta on your plate.

Culinary creativity meets comfort food in this mouthwatering fusion dish.

Spicy notes dance with creamy textures, promising a meal that sparks conversation.

Comfort and excitement blend seamlessly in each carefully constructed bite.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again.

FAQs

• Is Mexican Lasagna spicy?

The heat level depends on your taco seasoning and choice of green chilies. Use mild seasonings for less spice or add hot sauce for extra kick.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat, lentils, or extra beans. Maintain the same cooking process and seasoning.

• What type of tortillas work best?

Corn tortillas provide authentic flavor, while flour tortillas offer softer texture. Choose based on personal preference or dietary needs.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use lean ground beef or turkey, low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to boost nutrition.

Mexican Lasagna Bursting With Flavor

• Quick and Easy Comfort Meal: Combines classic lasagna with zesty Mexican flavors for a crowd-pleasing dish that comes together in under an hour.
• Versatile Family Dinner: Packed with protein from ground beef and black beans, this one-pan meal satisfies picky eaters and offers customizable toppings like salsa and sour cream.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Simple layering technique requires no complex cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious weeknight dinner.
• Budget-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Uses affordable ingredients like tortillas, ground beef, and canned beans to create a hearty meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank.

Ingredients For Mexican Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A flavorful protein that forms the hearty base of this Mexican-inspired lasagna.
• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour tortillas that replace traditional lasagna noodles for a Mexican twist.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy, gooey layer between the tortillas and meat.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that provide a deep, savory foundation for the dish.
• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that adds classic Mexican-style flavor to the ground beef.
• Black Beans, Corn: Hearty legumes and vegetables that add texture and additional protein to the lasagna.

• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds moisture and a slight kick of heat to the beef mixture.
• Salsa, Sour Cream, Cilantro: Optional toppings that bring fresh flavors and additional texture to the finished dish.

How To Cook Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) to get ready for some serious flavor action.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Boosters

Heat up a skillet and toss in diced onions and minced garlic.

Let them dance and soften until they’re fragrant and golden.

Add ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned.

Drain away any extra fat to keep things light.

Step 3: Create Spicy Meat Mixture

Sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning for a flavor explosion.

• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies
• Corn kernels

Let the mixture simmer and meld flavors for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Build Delicious Layers

• Soft tortillas
• Spicy beef mixture
• Shredded cheese

Repeat these layers, making sure to finish with a generous blanket of cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to transform into a melted, bubbly golden masterpiece.

Step 6: Serve and Dress Up

Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes to set.

• Fresh salsa
• Creamy sour cream
• Chopped cilantro

Slice, serve, and enjoy your Mexican-inspired comfort food!

Tips To Make Mexican Lasagna Stand Out

• Mix different Mexican cheeses like queso fresco, monterey jack, and cheddar for a more complex flavor profile.
• Adjust taco seasoning or choose mild green chilies to manage heat intensity for family-friendly meals.
• Lightly toast tortillas before layering to create a firmer base and prevent excess moisture absorption.
• Assemble the lasagna earlier in the day and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal prep.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutritional value without compromising the dish's delicious taste.

Variations To Try With Mexican Lasagna

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives for a meatless version packed with protein.
• Chicken Lover's Edition: Substitute ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Mexican Casserole: Skip tortillas entirely and layer ingredients in a baking dish, creating a hearty skillet-style meal with all the Mexican flavors.

Serving Ideas For Mexican Lasagna

• Fiesta Table Companions: Fresh salsa adds zesty brightness and cuts through the rich, cheesy layers.
• Creamy Cool-Down: Dollop sour cream on top to balance the spicy meat and provide a smooth, tangy contrast.
• Green Freshness Boost: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a vibrant herb touch that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.
• Sidekick Satisfaction: Serve with Mexican rice or crisp green salad to create a complete, satisfying meal that celebrates bold southwestern flavors.

Storing Mexican Lasagna Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Keep sealed and cool to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe container. Stays good for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for tracking.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway. Check temperature to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil last 5 minutes to crisp cheese.

Mexican Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican lasagna combines layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese in a zesty dish. Spicy flavors and easy preparation make this comfort meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (optional)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Tortillas and Cheese:

• 6–8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese

Garnish:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the layered dish.
2. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in a large skillet until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
4. Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness.
5. Incorporate taco seasoning, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn into the beef mixture.
6. Allow the combined ingredients to simmer for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld together.
7. Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and create the first layer with tortillas covering the bottom.
8. Spread a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture over the tortillas.
9. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly across the beef.
10. Repeat the layering process: tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, ensuring each layer is distributed uniformly.
11. Complete the final layer with a thick covering of shredded cheese on top.
12. Transfer the assembled dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.
13. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
14. Serve with optional garnishes like fresh salsa, dollops of sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version that still packs amazing flavor.
• Use whole wheat or corn tortillas to boost nutritional value and create a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions.
• Consider adding extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to increase nutrient density and create more complex layers of taste.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking, which allows flavors to meld and makes weeknight dinners super convenient.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg