If you’ve ever craved a hearty, comforting casserole with a Tex-Mex twist, Mexican Lasagna is your new weeknight hero. This bright, flavor-packed layered dish combines all your favorite taco fixings, bubbly melted cheese, and a zesty enchilada sauce for a meal that’s just as delightful to assemble as it is to enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just looking for a fun spin on taco night, Mexican Lasagna delivers festive flavor in every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up Mexican Lasagna is as simple as gathering a few humble ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the party. The beauty here is in the layers: every item adds distinctive taste, color, or a perfect hint of spice to this beloved casserole.

Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: The savory foundation—choose your favorite for rich, meaty flavor.
Onion (diced): Lends gentle sweetness and depth; don’t skip this humble classic.
Garlic (minced): Provides aromatic punch and rounds out the filling’s flavor.
Taco Seasoning: The secret to bold, unmistakably “taco” flavor woven into every bite.
Black Beans (rinsed and drained): Add creamy texture, earthiness, and extra protein to the mix.
Corn (drained): For delightful pops of sweetness that perfectly complement the hearty ingredients.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (undrained): Juicy, tangy, and just spicy enough to wake up your tastebuds.
Enchilada Sauce (red or green): Pours on the zesty moisture and brings everything together; choose your favorite style for a personal touch.
Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts sumptuously, crowning the lasagna with irresistible gooeyness.
Flour or Corn Tortillas: These create the signature layers—use your pick for traditional bite or a hint of toasty sweetness.

How to Make Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, begin by browning your ground beef or turkey. As the meat cooks and releases its savory aroma, break it up with a spatula so you’ll have perfectly crumbled bites in your lasagna. Once it’s cooked through and any extra moisture is evaporated, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Let them soften and mingle for 2–3 minutes until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.

Step 2: Add Flavors and Simmer

Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, followed by your black beans, corn, and that entire can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (liquid included for maximum juiciness). Give everything a thorough stir and simmer for 5 minutes. This step is where the magic happens—the spices bloom and the veggies soak up all that taco goodness.

Step 3: Layer the Mexican Lasagna

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to avoid sticking. Spread a few spoonfuls of enchilada sauce across the bottom—this keeps your first tortilla layer soft and flavorful. Arrange tortillas to cover the base, then spoon on half the meat mixture, drizzle some more enchilada sauce, and scatter a generous handful of cheese. Repeat the sequence with another layer of tortillas, meat, sauce, and cheese. Finish with a final layer of tortillas on top, then pour the remaining enchilada sauce over everything, and sprinkle with the rest of your cheese.

Step 4: Bake and Rest

Cover the whole dish with foil and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then carefully remove the foil so the cheese can turn bubbly and golden. Bake for another 10 minutes—just until the top looks perfectly melty and irresistibly browned on the edges. Let your Mexican Lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers hold together beautifully and makes serving neat portions a breeze.

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna

Garnishes

The true delight of Mexican Lasagna is how easily you can dress it up. Scatter chopped fresh cilantro for an herbal hit, dollop with cool, creamy sour cream, or fan out slices of ripe avocado for a luxurious finish. Even a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce makes each serving feel special.

Side Dishes

Turn your table into a little fiesta by pairing your lasagna with a simple salad tossed in lime vinaigrette, Mexican rice, or even crispy tortilla chips on the side. For heartier appetites, black bean salad or sautéed bell peppers add color and a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, cut your Mexican Lasagna into small squares and serve as hearty appetizers at parties, or spoon a portion into warm bowls with a layer of crunchy lettuce underneath for a lasagna-inspired taco salad. For family dinners, set up a DIY topping bar so everyone can customize their slice exactly how they love it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mexican Lasagna keeps beautifully in the fridge. Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers, and you’ll enjoy fresh, tasty servings for up to 3 days. The layers even seem to deepen in flavor as they rest, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

If you want to save a batch for later or prep meals ahead, Mexican Lasagna is a freezer superstar. Assemble the lasagna up until the baking step, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

Reheating

To heat leftovers, cover a slice and microwave until warmed through, or pop the whole casserole (covered with foil) into a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. If the cheese looks dry, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese on top while reheating never hurts.

FAQs

Can I make Mexican Lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply swap the ground meat for extra beans, cooked lentils, or even crumbled tofu, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian version with all the classic layers and flavors.

Which is better—flour or corn tortillas for this recipe?

Both work beautifully! Flour tortillas lend a soft, chewy bite, while corn tortillas offer toasty, earthy flavor. Pick your favorite, or use a mix for extra character.

Can I prep Mexican Lasagna the night before?

Yes, this dish is made for advance prep. Assemble it all the way up to baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. It’s perfect for busy nights or easy entertaining.

How spicy is Mexican Lasagna?

The heat level is pretty moderate—just right for most palates thanks to taco seasoning and diced green chilies. If you love extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier enchilada sauce.

What are some tasty topping ideas besides the usual?

Try fresh pico de gallo, pickled onions, crushed tortilla chips, sliced radishes, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo on top. These additions add crunch, color, and a gourmet touch to your Mexican Lasagna.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Lasagna doesn’t just satisfy your craving for bold, layered comfort food—it transforms any table into a celebration with just one bake. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try; I promise, your family and friends will be lining up for seconds (and the leftovers)! Let this recipe become your new go-to for easy, crowd-pleasing dinners.

Mexican Lasagna Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Mexican Lasagna combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the comforting ease of a layered casserole. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained

Layering:

1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce, red or green
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
10 small flour or corn tortillas

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ground meat in a large skillet until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until softened.
Mix and Simmer: Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Layering: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread enchilada sauce on the bottom. Layer tortillas, meat mixture, sauce, and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with tortillas on top.
Bake: Pour remaining sauce over the top layer, sprinkle with cheese. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until golden.
Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.