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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to prepare for baking the layered dish.
- Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in a large skillet until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until thoroughly browned and no pink remains.
- Drain any excess fat from the meat mixture to reduce greasiness.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn into the beef mixture.
- Allow the combined ingredients to simmer for 5 minutes, enabling flavors to meld together.
- Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking and create the first layer with tortillas covering the bottom.
- Spread a generous portion of the seasoned beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly across the beef.
- Repeat the layering process: tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, ensuring each layer is distributed uniformly.
- Complete the final layer with a thick covering of shredded cheese on top.
- 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.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes to set and cool slightly.
- 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