This Mexican Lasagna is a delicious twist on the traditional Italian dish, combining layers of tortillas, beef, beans, salsa, and cheese to create a hearty, flavorful casserole. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. It’s packed with bold Mexican flavors, making it a crowd favorite. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and fillings. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of ground beef (or your protein of choice, like ground turkey or chicken)
- 1 16 oz can of refried beans
- 1 4 oz can of chopped green chiles (add more if you like extra spice)
- 1 package of store-bought taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of hot salsa of your choice (if you don’t like spicy food, substitute with an additional 2 tbsp of mild salsa)
- One 12 oz package of flour or corn tortillas (use flour tortillas for a softer texture or corn tortillas for a more traditional flavor)
- 4 cups of shredded cheese of your choice (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works great)
- 1 jar of store-bought mild salsa
- 2 cups of water
- 2 cups of sour cream
- 4 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 can of sliced olives, drained (for garnish)
- Optional: 1 tomato, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar-sized casserole dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of oil.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the pan over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Step 2: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Step 3: Add the taco seasoning according to the package instructions, usually adding water and cooking until the beef is fully coated and the sauce has thickened.
3. Prepare the Bean and Beef Mixture:
- Step 1: Stir in the refried beans, chopped green chiles, and 2 tablespoons of hot salsa (or mild salsa if you prefer less heat) to the ground beef mixture.
- Step 2: Mix thoroughly and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
4. Assemble the Lasagna Layers:
- Step 1: Spread a few tablespoons of the mild salsa over the bottom of the greased baking dish to create the base layer.
- Step 2: Lay one layer of tortillas over the salsa, cutting or tearing them as necessary to cover the entire surface.
- Step 3: Spread one-third of the beef and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Step 4: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese (about 1 cup) over the beef mixture.
- Step 5: Repeat these layers two more times: salsa, tortillas, beef and bean mixture, and cheese.
5. Top with Salsa and Cheese:
- Step 1: For the final layer, after placing the tortillas, pour the remaining mild salsa and the 2 cups of water over the top to keep the lasagna moist.
- Step 2: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the salsa, ensuring it is fully covered.
6. Bake the Mexican Lasagna:
- Step 1: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top.
7. Add the Toppings:
- Step 1: Once the lasagna is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes to allow the layers to set.
- Step 2: Spread the sour cream evenly over the top of the lasagna.
- Step 3: Garnish with chopped green onions, sliced olives (if using), and chopped tomato for added flavor and color.
Tips for the Best Mexican Lasagna:
- Tortilla Preference: Use flour tortillas for a softer, chewier lasagna, or choose corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican flavor and slightly firmer texture. Both work well, so it’s all about your personal preference.
- Customize the Protein: You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Extra Vegetables: To make the dish more nutritious, consider adding extra veggies such as diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini in the beef mixture. This will enhance both the flavor and the texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spice level based on your taste. Use spicy salsa and additional green chiles if you like heat, or stick to mild options if you prefer a milder dish. You can also add jalapenos or hot sauce for extra kick.
Serving Suggestions:
- For a Complete Mexican Feast: Serve this Mexican Lasagna with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and tortilla chips for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette also pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the dish.
- Topping Ideas: Add your favorite toppings such as diced avocado, sliced jalapenos, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or oven.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and substitute with a combination of black beans, pinto beans, and sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and corn for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Cheesy Goodness: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra cheese between the layers or experiment with different types of cheeses like Pepper Jack, Colby, or Queso Fresco.
This Mexican Lasagna is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to assemble and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd. The layers of tortillas, beef, beans, salsa, and melted cheese come together to create a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or a party, this Mexican-inspired twist on lasagna is sure to be a hit. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make it just the way you like it!
