This Mexican lasagna layers tasty tortillas with seasoned meat, beans, and gooey cheese. It’s a fun twist on traditional lasagna that brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table!
Who knew you could have tacos and pasta all in one dish? It’s like a fiesta in a pan! I love serving it with some fresh salsa on top. Yum! 🌮✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These provide a unique texture and flavor. If you’re out of corn tortillas, try flour tortillas or even whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber. Just remember, they may change the flavor a bit!
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground turkey is a great leaner option, making the dish a little healthier. You can also use ground chicken, or for a vegetarian twist, black or pinto beans work instead!
Black Beans: These add protein and fiber, but if you’re not a fan, kidney beans or chickpeas are good substitutes. Canned beans are convenient, but dried beans can be used—just soak and cook them ahead of time!
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds flavor and a bit of heat. If you prefer less spice, use regular diced tomatoes or add a pinch of chili powder. You can also use fresh tomatoes if you have them on hand.
How Do I Layer the Lasagna for the Best Results?
Layering is essential to achieve that perfect blend of flavors in your Mexican lasagna. Start with a bit of the meat mixture to prevent the tortillas from sticking. Here’s how to layer effectively:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Next, add a layer of tortillas, cutting some to fit if necessary. Overlap them to cover the entire mixture.
- Then, add half of the sour cream atop the tortillas, followed by more meat mixture and a sprinkle of cheese.
- Repeat the process until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
This approach helps the lasagna hold its shape while serving, making it easier to enjoy each delicious layer! And don’t forget to let it cool slightly after baking for cleaner slices.
How to Make Mexican Lasagna?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 9-12 corn tortillas
- 1 pound ground beef or ground 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 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup sour cream
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mexican Lasagna recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, with an additional 35 minutes for baking. In total, you’ll need about 50 minutes before you’re ready to serve this tasty dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Brown the Meat:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it until it’s fully browned, stirring occasionally. If there’s excess fat, drain it off so your lasagna isn’t too greasy.
2. Make the Filling Mixture:
Once the meat is cooked, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with those zesty green chilies), taco seasoning, and salsa. Let this mixture cook together for about 5 minutes. This will help all the flavors blend beautifully!
3. Layer the Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and start layering. Spread a thin layer of your meat mixture at the bottom. Next, place a layer of tortillas over the meat. You can cut some tortillas if they need to fit better—don’t worry, they don’t have to be perfect!
4. Add More Layers:
Spread half of the sour cream over the tortillas, followed by another layer of the meat mixture and a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process with more tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, and sour cream. Finish off by topping everything with the remaining cheese.
5. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in your preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a bit before slicing it into portions.
6. Garnish and Enjoy!
Before serving, sprinkle the lasagna with chopped green onions, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro if you like. Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious Mexican Lasagna with family and friends!
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can! Flour tortillas will work just fine in this recipe. They may add a slightly different texture, but they’ll still hold up well. Just make sure they’re the same size as corn tortillas for even layering.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef or turkey and increase the amount of beans or add additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use a meat substitute like lentils or crumbled tofu for added protein.
Can I Prepare This Lasagna in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it longer if it’s cold from the fridge, about 10-15 minutes more, or until heated through and bubbly.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
