Sizzling Mexican Lasagna Recipe: A Fiesta of Layers & Flavors

Crafting a mouthwatering mexican lasagna brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of tortillas, spicy meats, and melted cheese create a delightful twist on traditional Italian fare.

Zesty flavors burst through each carefully assembled bite, promising a culinary adventure that satisfies deep hunger.

Authentic ingredients dance together, blending Mexican and Italian cooking traditions into one incredible dish.

Cheese lovers and spice enthusiasts will absolutely adore this unexpected fusion of cuisines.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive meal that impresses everyone around the table.

Jump in and savor every delicious moment of this incredible recipe.

Ingredients Needed for Mexican Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A protein-packed ingredient that adds richness and flavor to the Mexican lasagna.
• Lasagna Noodles: The structural base of the dish that creates layers and provides a hearty texture.
• Refried Beans: A creamy Mexican staple that helps bind the layers and adds authentic southwestern flavor.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream: These dairy ingredients contribute creaminess and tangy richness to the overall dish.

• Taco Seasoning: A spice blend that infuses the ground beef with classic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes, Corn, Chopped Onions, Cilantro: These fresh ingredients add brightness, color, and additional layers of flavor to the Mexican lasagna.

How to Prepare Mexican Lasagna Step-by-Step

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown The Protein

Sizzle ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until completely cooked.

Drain any extra grease and mix in zesty taco seasoning until every bit is coated with spicy goodness.

Step 3: Create First Foundation Layer

• Refried beans
• Lasagna noodles
• Ground beef
• Diced tomatoes
• Corn
• Shredded cheese

Spread a thin blanket of refried beans across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Layer lasagna noodles over beans. Sprinkle half the seasoned beef, half the tomatoes, half the corn, and one-third of the cheese on top.

Step 4: Build Second Layer

Repeat previous layering technique with remaining beef, tomatoes, and corn. Crown this layer with another portion of cheese.

Step 5: Top With Creamy Finish

Add final lasagna noodle layer. Smooth sour cream across the surface.

Shower remaining cheese and chopped onions over the top.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking 10 more minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top right before serving.

Slice and enjoy your Mexican lasagna masterpiece!

Helpful Tips for Mexican Lasagna Success

• Choose high-quality ground beef and ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor and authentic Mexican taste.
• Remove excess fat from ground beef to prevent a greasy texture and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing dish.
• Let cheese melt naturally during the final uncovered baking stage to achieve a perfect golden-brown, bubbly top.
• Customize taco seasoning by adding extra chili powder or using mild seasoning for family-friendly heat preferences.
• Assemble the lasagna in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Variations to Try With Mexican Lasagna

• Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with black beans, quinoa, or diced bell peppers for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Spicy Southwest: Add jalapeños, green chiles, and extra hot sauce to boost the heat and create a zesty flavor profile.
• Chicken Charro: Swap ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or seasoned ground chicken for a lighter protein option.
• Green Chile Fusion: Incorporate green enchilada sauce and green chile peppers for a tangy, vibrant southwestern variation.

What Goes Well With Mexican Lasagna Dish

• Pair Zesty Margaritas: Complement the spicy Mexican lasagna with a classic lime margarita that cuts through the rich, cheesy layers and provides a refreshing citrus contrast.
• Select Crisp Mexican Beer: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial to balance the hearty dish, its clean flavor profile enhancing the bold southwestern flavors.
• Create Fresh Salsa Side: Prepare a quick pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to add bright, fresh notes that help cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve Cooling Guacamole: Whip up a creamy guacamole with ripe avocados, which provides a smooth, cool counterpoint to the warm, spicy lasagna and adds extra Mexican-inspired depth.

How to Store Mexican Lasagna Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
• Wrap the Mexican lasagna securely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the cheese.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this Mexican lasagna recipe. It provides similar texture and absorbs the taco seasoning flavors well.

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you choose. Most store-bought packets are mild, but you can select a hot version or add extra chili powder if you want more heat.

• Do I need to cook the lasagna noodles before layering?

No, you can use regular lasagna noodles without pre-cooking. The moisture from the ingredients and baking process will cook the noodles perfectly during the baking time.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with black beans, vegetarian ground meat substitute, or additional corn and beans to maintain the protein content and hearty texture.

Why Mexican Lasagna Is a Family Favorite

• Conquer Flavor Fusion: Blend traditional Mexican and Italian cuisines into one mouthwatering dish that surprises taste buds with unexpected combinations.
• Master One-Pan Meal: Create a complete dinner packed with protein, vegetables, and cheese that requires minimal kitchen cleanup and delivers maximum satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like ground turkey, add extra spices, or include different vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delight families and guests with a hearty casserole that offers familiar flavors while presenting an exciting twist on classic lasagna.

Mexican Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Layered Mexican lasagna brings zesty Southwest flavors to classic Italian comfort food. Cheesy tortillas, spicy ground beef, and bold salsa create a mouthwatering fusion dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning

Base Ingredients:

• 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
• 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh

Toppings and Extras:

• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C), ensuring a consistent temperature for optimal cooking.
2. In a skillet, thoroughly brown the ground beef over medium heat, eliminating excess fat. Incorporate taco seasoning, mixing until beef is evenly coated and flavored.
3. Create the initial foundation by spreading a uniform layer of refried beans across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Carefully position lasagna noodles to cover the bean layer completely.
4. Distribute half of the seasoned beef across the noodles, followed by an even spread of diced tomatoes and corn. Generously sprinkle one-third of the shredded cheese to create a rich, textured layer.
5. Construct a second layer by adding another set of noodles, repeating the previous process with remaining beef, tomatoes, and corn. Apply another portion of cheese for added flavor and melting potential.
6. Craft the final layer by positioning the last set of noodles. Smoothly spread sour cream across the surface, ensuring complete coverage. Liberally top with remaining cheese and sprinkle chopped onions for additional zest.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a light golden-brown color.
8. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro just before serving, adding a vibrant, aromatic finish to the Mexican lasagna.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains robust flavor and protein content.
• Ensure lasagna noodles are fully covered with sauce to prevent drying out during baking, creating a perfectly moist texture.
• Use low-fat cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce overall calorie and fat content without sacrificing creamy richness.
• Add a dash of jalapeños or hot sauce for extra kick if you enjoy spicier Mexican-inspired dishes, tailoring heat levels to personal preference.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg