If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine, look no further than this delicious Mexican lasagna! This recipe brings together the hearty comfort of traditional lasagna and the bold, zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine. Picture layers of soft tortillas, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and spicy salsa baked to perfection – it’s a meal everyone will love!
This Mexican lasagna is perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your family’s hunger with a dish that’s both hearty and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or for a special occasion, this recipe will definitely become a family favorite!
What Makes This Mexican Lasagna Special?
This Mexican lasagna recipe is unique for several reasons:
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Bold flavors: With the perfect combination of taco-seasoned beef, zesty salsa, and creamy cheese, this recipe offers a flavor-packed twist on the classic lasagna.
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Easy to make: Instead of using lasagna noodles, we use tortillas, which simplifies the recipe and cuts down on prep time.
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Customizable: This dish is easily adaptable to your preferences. You can switch up the protein (ground beef, chicken, or even beans for a vegetarian version), add more veggies, or use a different type of cheese.
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Family-friendly: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or food enthusiasts, this Mexican lasagna is a crowd-pleaser, offering something for everyone in every bite.
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Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare this lasagna in advance and bake it later, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients in this recipe:
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Ground beef: The base of the filling, which brings richness and texture. You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option.
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Tortillas: We use soft flour tortillas as the layers in place of traditional lasagna noodles. This not only makes the dish more flavorful but also helps cut down on cooking time. You can swap flour tortillas for corn tortillas if preferred.
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Taco seasoning: This is the key to giving the beef a deliciously spicy kick. If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can make your own with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
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Salsa: Adds a tangy, flavorful sauce that complements the beef and cheese layers. Choose your favorite salsa, mild or hot, depending on your spice preference.
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Cheese: A mix of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a melty, gooey texture that’s perfect for lasagna. You can also add some cotija cheese for an extra Mexican touch.
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Onions & garlic: These aromatics add depth to the meat mixture, giving the dish a savory and fragrant base.
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Cilantro (optional): For garnish, cilantro adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to the finished dish.
How To Make Mexican Lasagna
Preparation Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 55-60 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the other ingredients.
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Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain any excess fat.
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Season the meat: Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Allow it to simmer for 5-7 minutes, until well combined and heated through.
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Assemble the lasagna: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, place a layer of tortillas at the bottom. Spread about 1/3 of the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with a generous amount of cheese. Repeat the layers twice more, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Then, uncover the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Cool and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream or guacamole on the side.
Storage Options
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Room Temperature Storage: Mexican lasagna can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it needs to be stored in the fridge. If you plan on serving it later, be sure to refrigerate within that time frame.
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover the lasagna with foil to retain moisture.
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Freezing Instructions: To freeze, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.
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Reheating Tips: Reheat individual slices in the microwave or place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
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Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna: Use black beans or a combination of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn in place of the ground beef for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly version.
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Spicy Option: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture to give it a spicy kick.
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Gluten-Free: Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas or check for gluten-free flour tortilla brands.
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Chicken Version: For a lighter twist, use cooked shredded chicken in place of ground beef.
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Cheese Swap: Try using pepper jack cheese for a more flavorful, spicy cheese option.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Simply assemble the layers and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
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Can I use something other than ground beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian meat substitute works well in this recipe.
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What should I serve with Mexican lasagna? Serve it with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or a simple Mexican salad to complement the flavors.
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Can I freeze Mexican lasagna? Yes, you can freeze the lasagna before or after baking. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
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What if I don’t have taco seasoning? You can make your own by mixing chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt.
Conclusion
Mexican lasagna is the perfect dish for anyone who loves the flavors of Mexican cuisine but wants something easy and comforting. With its layers of seasoned beef, tortillas, salsa, and melted cheese, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. Try it for your next family dinner or gathering and watch it become a fast favorite!
Don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family and invite them to enjoy the perfect fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors.
Print
Mexican Lasagna: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 cup salsa
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6–8 flour tortillas
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
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Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic in a skillet until the beef is browned.
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Add taco seasoning and salsa, simmer for 5-7 minutes.
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Layer tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese in a baking dish.
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Bake for 25-30 minutes, uncover and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
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Let cool, garnish with cilantro, and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 22g