Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Quick & Zesty Mexican Lasagna Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta

Layering rich, zesty flavors into a mexican lasagna creates a culinary adventure that breaks free from traditional boundaries.

Inspired by vibrant south-of-the-border cuisine, this dish blends comfort and excitement on a single plate.

Corn tortillas replace pasta sheets, introducing a delightful twist to the classic Italian favorite.

Spicy ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic spices dance together in perfect harmony.

Jalapeños add a kick that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Each bite promises a journey through bold, colorful ingredients that celebrate mexican culinary traditions.

Mexican Lasagna That Packs a Punch

  • Simplify Weeknight Cooking: With just a few easy steps and minimal prep, you can create a delicious meal that feels like a gourmet dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extra toppings to make this recipe totally your own, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.
  • One-Dish Wonder: This recipe combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor satisfaction.

Ingredients for Mexican Lasagna

Core Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A protein-packed base that brings rich flavor and hearty texture to the Mexican lasagna.
  • Tortillas: Soft, flexible corn or flour tortillas that create the layered structure of this dish.
  • Cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the layers and add creamy richness.
Flavor Builders:
  • Taco Seasoning, Salsa: Adds vibrant Mexican-inspired spices and tangy tomato notes to enhance the overall taste.
  • Black Beans, Corn: Provide additional protein, texture, and authentic southwestern character to the lasagna.
Garnish and Finishing Touches:
  • Sour Cream, Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add cool, herbal, and sharp flavor contrasts to the warm lasagna.

Step-by-Step Mexican Lasagna Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit, getting ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Toss ground beef into a skillet and cook over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned.

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and mix until every morsel is coated with zesty goodness.

Step 3: Build The Hearty Filling

Add these delicious ingredients to your beef:
  • Black beans
  • Corn
  • Salsa

Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, creating a rich and tantalizing mixture.

Step 4: Create Delicious Layers

In a baking dish, start building your Mexican lasagna:
  • Layer tortillas
  • Spread beef mixture
  • Sprinkle cheese
  • Add salsa

Repeat these layers until your dish is packed with mouthwatering goodness.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese becomes irresistibly melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Add Fresh Toppings

Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes.

Then garnish with:
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped cilantro
  • Sliced green onions

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Slice your Mexican lasagna and serve it warm, ready to delight everyone at the table.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Lasagna

  • Replace ground beef with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a healthier protein option.
  • Adjust taco seasoning and salsa heat to match your family's taste preferences, using mild or spicy versions.
  • Ensure even distribution of ingredients by spreading each component carefully across the entire baking dish for balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican cheese mix to enhance overall taste profile.
  • Prepare the lasagna in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.

Variations on Mexican Lasagna

  • Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, black beans, or beyond meat crumbles for a meat-free version.
  • Chicken Mexican Lasagna: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Mexican Lasagna: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Mexican Casserole: Substitute tortillas with thinly sliced zucchini or cauliflower layers to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.

Serving Mexican Lasagna

  • Fiesta Night Feast: Serve this Mexican Lasagna as the star of your dinner party with friends or family.
  • Taco Tuesday Twist: Transform your regular taco night by presenting this layered casserole as a unique and exciting main dish.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller squares for easy appetizer-style bites perfect for sports watching or casual gatherings.
  • Fresh Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad, Mexican rice, or zesty guacamole to complete the meal and add extra flavor dimensions.

Storage Advice for Mexican Lasagna

  • Store leftover Mexican lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and flavor loss.
  • Wrap individual portions or the entire dish in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
  • Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

  • Is Mexican Lasagna spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning and salsa you choose. Use mild versions for less heat or add hot sauce for extra kick.

  • Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with plant-based meat, tofu, or extra beans. The flavor remains delicious and protein-packed.

  • What type of tortillas work best?

Corn tortillas provide authentic Mexican flavor, while flour tortillas offer a softer texture. Both work perfectly in this recipe.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

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

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Mexican Lasagna Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Spicy Mexican lasagna brings a fiery fusion of zesty flavors and hearty layers that dance across your palate. Melted cheese, tender tortillas, and rich spices create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning

Vegetables and Legumes:

  • 1 can (15 ounces/425 grams) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Dairy and Other Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 2 cups salsa
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 1 cup sour cream

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the layered dish.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, thoroughly breaking apart the meat during cooking.
  3. Incorporate taco seasoning into the beef, ensuring even distribution of spices.
  4. Mix black beans, corn, and salsa into the seasoned beef, simmering for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors.
  5. Arrange the first layer of tortillas in a baking dish, creating a solid base for the lasagna.
  6. Spread a portion of the beef and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas.
  7. Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese across the beef mixture.
  8. Drizzle additional salsa over the cheese layer for extra moisture and flavor.
  9. Repeat the layering process with tortillas, beef mixture, cheese, and salsa until ingredients are used.
  10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
  11. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes.
  12. Verify the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbling around the edges.
  13. Allow the lasagna to rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
  14. Garnish with dollops of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions.
  15. Cut into portions and serve while still warm.

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning to match your heat preference.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version.
  • Use whole wheat tortillas to boost nutritional value and add extra fiber to the dish.
  • Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star