The Best Mexican Lasagna Recipe: Spicy, Cheesy, Family-Favorite

Crafting a delightful Mexican lasagna brings comfort and zest to your dinner table in unexpected ways.

Layers of tortillas, seasoned meat, and melty cheese create a mouthwatering fusion that blends culinary traditions.

Spices dance through each bite, promising a meal that sparks conversation and satisfies hungry souls.

Forget complicated techniques – this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels with open arms.

Simple ingredients combine to create something magical that feels both familiar and exciting.

Southwest flavors weave through each layer, promising a dish that connects people around the table.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this meal comes together, turning an ordinary evening into a celebration of flavor.

Grab a fork and prepare for a delicious adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Mexican Lasagna Full Of Flavor And Spice

• Spice Up Family Dinner: Transform boring weeknight meals into a flavor-packed fiesta that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Customize with Ease: Switch ingredients like protein or beans to match your family's taste preferences or dietary needs without losing the dish's delicious Mexican-inspired character.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines the best of lasagna and Mexican cuisine, creating a hearty one-pan meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its cheesy, zesty profile.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple cooking steps and common pantry ingredients, making it a stress-free option for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.

Ingredients For Mexican Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that forms the base of the Mexican lasagna.
• Tortillas: Soft flour tortillas create layers similar to traditional lasagna noodles.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully to create a creamy and gooey topping.

• Taco Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Cumin: Spices that add depth and authentic Mexican-style flavor to the meat mixture.
• Salsa, Enchilada Sauce, Diced Tomatoes: Saucy ingredients that provide moisture and tangy taste.
• Black Beans: Adds protein, texture, and a classic Mexican element to the dish.

• Onion, Fresh Cilantro: Provide additional flavor and a fresh finish to the Mexican lasagna.

How To Make Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Space

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This prepares the perfect environment for your delicious Mexican Lasagna.

Step 2: Brown the Protein and Aromatics

Grab a large skillet and start cooking ground beef with diced onions over medium heat. Keep stirring until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Create a Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Taco seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Diced tomatoes
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Enchilada sauce

Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing all the spices and ingredients to dance together and create a mouthwatering sauce.

Step 4: Build the First Layer

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread a thin, even layer of the beef mixture across the bottom of the dish, creating a delicious foundation for your lasagna.

Step 5: Construct Tasty Layers

• Place tortillas over the meat mixture, cutting and fitting them as needed to cover the entire surface
• Add one-third of the remaining meat mixture
• Sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese

Repeat these layers two more times, making sure to finish with a generous topping of cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and looks irresistibly golden.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let the lasagna cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips For Perfect Mexican Lasagna Every Time

Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner, healthier version. Enhance flavor by using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that reduce melting quality. Choose corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and ensure they’re slightly overlapped to prevent gaps in layering. Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach into the meat mixture for more depth and nutrients. Prepare this dish ahead of time by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve – the flavors will develop even more intensely during resting period.

Variations For Mexican Lasagna To Explore

• Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based sauce for a hearty meatless version.
• Chicken Mexican Lasagna: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced chicken breast. Season with same spices for a lighter protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Mexican Casserole: Use zucchini slices or cauliflower tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas. Reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining rich Mexican flavors.
• Gluten-Free Mexican Lasagna: Select corn tortillas instead of flour-based ones. Ensure taco seasoning and enchilada sauce are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions For Mexican Lasagna

• Fiesta Feast Gathering: Host a vibrant Mexican-themed dinner party where this lasagna becomes the star attraction, paired with colorful margaritas and festive table decorations.
• Cozy Family Comfort: Serve this hearty dish on a chilly evening with warm garlic bread, creating a comforting family meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Meal Prep Champion: Slice and store individual portions in meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, maintaining delicious flavor and convenience.
• Potluck Showstopper: Bring this crowd-pleasing lasagna to community gatherings or potlucks, guaranteeing it will be the first dish to disappear from the buffet table.

How To Store Mexican Lasagna Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

FAQs

• Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?

Yes, you can easily use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a different protein option that works well with the Mexican-inspired flavors.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate spice from the taco seasoning and salsa. You can control the heat by choosing a mild or hot salsa, or adding extra hot sauce if you prefer more kick.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the Mexican lasagna earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

Quick Mexican Lasagna Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Mexican lasagna merges classic Italian and Mexican culinary traditions in one comforting dish. Layers of tortillas, seasoned meat, melted cheese, and zesty salsa create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins and Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded Mexican blend cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Canned and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
• 1 can (10 ounces/283 grams) enchilada sauce
• 8 flour tortillas (6-inch size)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), preparing for a flavor-packed Mexican-inspired casserole.
2. In a spacious skillet, brown ground beef with diced onions over medium heat, cooking thoroughly for 5-7 minutes and carefully draining any excess fat.
3. Infuse the meat with robust flavors by adding taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, black beans, salsa, and enchilada sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and meld together for 5 minutes.
4. Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish by lightly greasing the surface and spreading a thin, even layer of the seasoned beef mixture.
5. Create the first layer by carefully arranging tortillas across the meat, trimming edges as needed to ensure complete coverage. Distribute one-third of the remaining meat mixture and sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese.
6. Repeat the layering process two more times, carefully building the lasagna with alternating tortillas, meat, and cheese. Ensure the final layer is topped with a generous coating of cheese.
7. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbling.
8. Allow the Mexican lasagna to rest for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to settle. Garnish with fresh, vibrant cilantro before serving this zesty dish.

Notes

• Customize the spice level by adjusting the taco seasoning or adding chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version of the dish.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and make assembly quicker.
• Swap corn tortillas for low-carb alternatives like cauliflower tortillas to reduce carbohydrate intake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg