Mexican Lasagna: A Flavor-Packed Twist on the Classic
If you’re craving comfort food but want to switch things up, Mexican Lasagna is the answer. This delicious, flavor-packed dish combines the layers and heartiness of traditional lasagna with the bold, savory flavors of Mexican cuisine. Think seasoned ground beef (or turkey), hearty tortillas, melted cheese, and a creamy, zesty salsa—everything you love about lasagna, but with a delicious southwest twist.
At Kathryn Cooks, we believe in taking classic recipes and infusing them with new, exciting flavors. Mexican Lasagna is the perfect example of how to elevate an old favorite. Whether you're looking to spice up family dinner night, impress guests with something a little different, or simply indulge in some comforting, cheesy goodness, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love Mexican Lasagna
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Bold Flavors: The combination of seasoned meat, beans, salsa, and cheese makes each bite of this lasagna an explosion of flavor. The taco-seasoned beef adds the savory depth, while the salsa brings a zesty, tangy note. Each layer of tortillas soaks up all the flavor, making it a hearty, satisfying meal.
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No-Noodle Twist: Unlike traditional lasagna, this version uses soft corn tortillas in place of noodles. The tortillas provide the perfect balance of texture, and their subtle flavor complements the richness of the beef and cheese. It’s a great gluten-free option (just be sure to use certified gluten-free tortillas if needed).
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Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Mexican Lasagna is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a couple of days, or even freeze it for later. This makes it an excellent option for busy weeks or when you’re feeding a crowd.
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Family Favorite: With its cheesy layers and bold flavors, this dish is a hit with both adults and kids. It’s like having taco night, but with the bonus of lasagna’s comforting, filling layers. You can even customize the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.
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Endless Customizations: While this recipe is delicious as written, Mexican Lasagna is incredibly versatile. You can switch up the protein (ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian version with black beans or roasted vegetables), add extra layers of cheese, or top it with your favorite taco toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna
Mexican Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but if you're looking to round out the meal, here are a few side dish ideas to pair with it:
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Mexican Rice: Fluffy, slightly tangy rice is the perfect accompaniment to the savory, cheesy lasagna. You can make a simple version with lime, cilantro, and a touch of cumin for a fresh burst of flavor.
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Refried Beans: Smooth and creamy refried beans are a classic side for any Mexican dish. They add a satisfying, rich element that pairs perfectly with the lasagna’s bold flavors.
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Guacamole and Chips: No Mexican meal is complete without guacamole! Serve a fresh, creamy guac with tortilla chips on the side for some extra crunch.
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Simple Salad: A fresh salad with a lime vinaigrette adds a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. Think romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a few slices of avocado.
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Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on the side can help balance the spiciness of the lasagna and add a cool, creamy touch to each bite.
Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Ready to dive into the delicious world of Mexican Lasagna? Here’s the full recipe:
Mexican Lasagna
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Servings
6
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
This quickly became a favorite at the Martens household. We have this at LEAST every other week, if not more! The prep time is minimum and the flavor is maximum! BONUS: This makes for the perfect left overs (just ask my father in law…).
Want to really kick it up? Pair it with my elote recipe.
This Mexican Lasagna is a fun, flavorful, and comforting twist on the classic lasagna that everyone knows and loves. With layers of seasoned ground beef (or turkey), beans, tortillas, and gooey melted cheese, it’s the ultimate fusion dish that’s perfect for taco lovers and lasagna fans alike.
The best part? It’s quick, easy, and adaptable, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or serving at a casual gathering. So, next time you’re in the mood for something comforting with a little flair, give this Mexican Lasagna a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Author:Kathryn Martens
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup salsa of choice (see notes)
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1 pkg taco seasoning
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6 tortilla shells 6" flour
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1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed (see notes)
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2 cups mexican cheese shredded
Directions
Heat oven to 400°.
Brown the ground beef and drain. Stir in salsa and taco seasoning. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
Spread about ½ cup of the ground beef mixture on the bottom of a sprayed baking dish. Cover with two tortillas.
Add another layer of ground beef mixture, half the beans, half the cheese, and two more tortillas. Repeate layers and finish with a top layer of cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and let stand in oven for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve with sour cream. avocado, hot sauce, and other taco fixings.
Recipe Note
Tips for the Best Mexican Lasagna
Use Fresh Tortillas: For the best texture, use soft corn tortillas. If you find the tortillas too thick, you can lightly fry them in a bit of oil for a few seconds to make them more pliable before layering.
Layering: The key to a successful Mexican lasagna is the layers. Make sure to evenly distribute the meat mixture, cheese, and sauce in each layer to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Make It Ahead: You can prepare this lasagna the night before and store it in the fridge. Simply cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake the next day. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Customize the Protein: Feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian filling made with black beans, sautéed vegetables, or tofu. The taco seasoning and salsa will still bring all the flavor, no matter the protein.
Extra Cheese: For even more cheesy goodness, you can add extra cheese on top or between the layers for that gooey, melty texture everyone loves.
Salsa: I’ve tried this with all sorts of different brands and textures. Tostitos or Pace chunky salsa seems to work best!
Beans: We prefer this made with pinto beans but you could also use black beans, re-fried beans, etc.