Spice Up Dinner: Zesty Mexican Lasagna Recipe With a Twist

Layered with rich flavors and zesty spices, this mexican lasagna blends traditional Italian pasta techniques with vibrant southwestern ingredients.

Tortillas replace classic pasta sheets, creating a delicious fusion of culinary traditions.

Melted cheese, seasoned ground beef, and colorful vegetables stack together in a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and bold tastes that dance across your palate.

Packed with protein and bold seasonings, this dish brings excitement to your dinner table.

The recipe offers a simple yet impressive meal that transforms ordinary weeknight cooking into a festive experience.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing creation that promises to satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 560 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Mexican Lasagna Recipe

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Provides hearty, rich foundation with lean protein perfect for creating depth in Mexican-style dishes.
• Black Beans: Adds creamy texture, boosts protein content, and delivers authentic southwestern flavor profile.
• Taco Seasoning: Transforms ordinary meat into zingy, bold Mexican-inspired filling with complex spice blend.

• Onion: Builds savory undertone and creates aromatic base for entire dish.
• Garlic: Intensifies overall flavor and provides subtle pungent warmth.
• Salsa, Diced Tomatoes: Introduces vibrant moisture, tangy brightness, and authentic Mexican sauce elements.
• Corn: Adds sweet crunch and lovely textural contrast to meaty mixture.

• Tortillas: Creates layered structure mimicking traditional lasagna with Mexican twist.
• Cheese: Melts beautifully, connects ingredients, and delivers creamy richness.
• Sour Cream: Optional luxurious topping bringing cool, tangy counterpoint.
• Black Olives: Provides salty, briny accent with Mediterranean-inspired touch.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, herbaceous finish with bright green visual appeal.
• Jalapenos: Introduces optional spicy kick for heat enthusiasts.

Gear List For Mexican Lasagna Recipe

• Large Skillet: Essential for browning meat and sautéing onions and garlic.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering and baking the Mexican lasagna.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover the dish during initial baking to prevent burning.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding cheese if using block cheese.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, cilantro, and other ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for dicing onions and preparing toppings.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients in the skillet.

How To Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe Step By Step

• Sizzling Meat Mixture

Brown the ground meat in a hot skillet, breaking it into delicious crumbles. Toss in onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften. Sprinkle in zesty taco seasoning and fold in black beans, corn, salsa, and tomatoes. Let the flavors mingle and bubble for a few minutes.

• Tortilla Layering

Grab a baking dish and spread a thin base of the meat mixture. Create delectable layers by draping tortillas across the bottom, slightly overlapping. Shower each layer with the spicy meat mixture and a snowfall of melty cheese. Build three magnificent layers, ending with a cheese crown.

• Oven Magic

Slide the dish into a preheated oven. Cover with foil and let it bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and let the cheese transform into a golden, bubbly landscape for another 10-15 minutes.

• Serving Celebration

Allow the Mexican lasagna to rest and settle for a few minutes. Slice into generous portions. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top and serve with optional zingy companions like guacamole or sour cream.

Spicy Twists For Mexican Lasagna Recipe

• Flavor Boosting Tricks: Add a splash of lime juice to the meat mixture for a zesty kick that brightens the entire dish.
• Protein Power Switch: Easily swap ground beef with shredded chicken, black beans, or plant-based crumbles to accommodate different dietary preferences and protein needs.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire Mexican lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, simply bake as directed, adding 5-10 extra minutes to cooking time if coming straight from the refrigerator.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and taco seasoning. For extra heat, sprinkle diced jalapeños between layers or add a dash of hot sauce before baking.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas or use large gluten-free tortillas to make this recipe completely gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Best Way To Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe

• Fresh Taco Night Companion: Serve alongside crisp green salad with lime-cilantro dressing for a refreshing contrast to the rich lasagna.
• Fiesta Side Kick: Pair with Mexican-style rice or black beans to complete the meal and add extra protein and texture to your dining experience.
• Cool Creamy Topping Parade: Offer additional toppings like diced avocado, chopped green onions, fresh salsa, and extra sour cream so guests can customize their plate.
• Zesty Beverage Pairing: Complement the spicy layers with ice-cold Mexican beer, margaritas, or fresh lime-infused sparkling water for a perfect meal finish.

Smart Storage For Mexican Lasagna Recipe

• Fridge Storage Tactics: Wrap leftover Mexican lasagna tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
• Quick Reheating Method: Slice cold portions and warm in microwave for 1-2 minutes, or reheat in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add fresh cheese on top for extra meltiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Prepare entire lasagna, cool completely, then wrap securely in plastic wrap and freezer-safe container. Freeze flat for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble lasagna completely without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows flavors to meld together, creating deeper, richer taste when baked fresh.

Cheesy Mexican Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Layered Mexican lasagna showcases bold Tex-Mex flavors with crispy tortillas, spicy ground beef, and melted cheese. Hearty one-pan meal delivers zesty comfort that satisfies you with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 packet (or 2 tbsps) taco seasoning
• 8 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free option)
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
• 1 ½ cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup canned corn, drained
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sliced black olives
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Brown ground protein in a spacious skillet, crumbling while cooking. Drain excess grease, then sauté diced aromatics until softened. Incorporate taco seasoning, black beans, corn, salsa, and diced tomatoes. Simmer the mixture to develop rich, integrated flavors.
2. Oven Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375F. Select a rectangular baking dish and create a foundational layer of protein mixture to prevent sticking.
3. Layering Technique: Arrange tortillas across the base with slight overlap. Construct successive layers by spreading protein mixture and generously cascading shredded cheese. Repeat layering process twice, ensuring a cheese-laden summit.
4. Optional Garnishes: Embellish with cream dollops and scattered black olives if desired.
5. Baking Process: Encase dish in aluminum foil, baking for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking until cheese melts into a golden, bubbling landscape.
6. Serving Presentation: Rest lasagna briefly to consolidate layers. Slice with precision and garnish with fresh cilantro. Complement with guacamole, additional sour cream, or jalapeño slices.

Notes

• Protein Precision: Select lean ground beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for healthier protein options without compromising flavor intensity.
• Seasoning Strategy: Adjust taco seasoning strength by homemade blending or reducing store-bought mix to control sodium and spice levels for sensitive palates.
• Cheese Calibration: Use a blend of Mexican cheese varieties like queso fresco and monterey jack for authentic taste and optimal melting characteristics.
• Tortilla Technique: Use corn tortillas for gluten-free version or whole wheat tortillas for added nutritional value, ensuring complete base coverage with slight overlapping.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg