This Mexican Lasagna is a fun twist on a classic favorite! Layers of tortillas, cheesy goodness, and spicy taco filling come together for a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make this tasty meal. I love throwing in extra toppings like avocado or sour cream. It’s like a fiesta on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: This recipe calls for ground beef or turkey for a hearty base. Feel free to use lean ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute like lentils for a vegetarian option.
Black Beans: Canned black beans add protein and fiber. If you don’t have black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans can be great substitutes. Just rinse them well to remove excess sodium.
Corn: Canned corn adds sweetness and texture. Frozen corn works perfectly too; you just need to thaw it before adding to the mix.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a nice kick. If you prefer less heat, opt for plain diced tomatoes or a milder tomato sauce, and add your own spices to control the heat.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a great flavor blend. You might try pepper jack for an extra spicy twist or even a dairy-free cheese to suit dietary preferences.
Sour Cream: Sour cream adds creaminess. If you’d like a healthier alternative, consider Greek yogurt. It’s thicker and offers a similar taste.
How Do I Layer My Mexican Lasagna Correctly?
The layering process is crucial to getting the best texture and flavor in your Mexican Lasagna. Start with a layer of meat mixture to help the tortillas stick and prevent sogginess.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture in the bottom of the baking dish, then layer the tortillas over it. Make sure they overlap slightly.
- Add sour cream next, followed by the cheese for rich flavor. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, ending with tortillas on top.
- For the final layer, don’t forget to add the remaining sour cream and cheese to create a delicious topping that melts beautifully.
Let it sit after baking for a few minutes. This helps everything settle and makes serving easier!
How to Make Mexican Lasagna?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 taco seasoning packet
For the Layers:
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mexican Lasagna recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and approximately 30-35 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need around 50 minutes to create this delicious meal from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Meat:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, grab a large skillet and add a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
2. Mixing Ingredients:
Once your meat is cooked (it should take about 5-7 minutes), stir in the drained black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the taco seasoning. Cook this mixture for another 2-3 minutes so everything is heated through and well combined.
3. Assembling the Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of your meat mixture on the bottom. Layer the corn tortillas over the meat, slightly overlapping them if needed. Next, spread half of the sour cream on top of the tortillas and sprinkle with 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients: another layer of the meat mixture, tortillas, another layer of sour cream, and the remaining cheeses. Finish with one last layer of tortillas on top.
4. Baking the Lasagna:
Now, spread the last of the sour cream over the top layer of tortillas. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After that time, take off the foil and let it bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
5. Garnishing and Serving:
After baking, carefully remove your Mexican Lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced green onions. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great lean alternative that works well in this Mexican lasagna. Just cook it in the same way you would the beef or turkey until it’s browned and cooked through. You may notice an even lighter flavor, so you might want to add a pinch more taco seasoning for added taste.
What Can I Substitute for Sour Cream?
If you need a substitute for sour cream, Greek yogurt is an excellent choice! It has a similar tang and texture. You can use it in the same quantity as the sour cream in the recipe, and it will add a slight creaminess with added protein.
How Do I Store Leftover Mexican Lasagna?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or warm it in the oven covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15 minutes.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Lasagna?
Definitely! You can add diced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the meat mixture for extra veggies. Just sauté them along with the meat for a few minutes to soften them before mixing in the beans and corn. This will enhance the flavor and nutritional value!
