This Easy Cheesy Mexican Lasagna is a fun twist on a classic! Layered with tortillas, cheese, and tasty taco fillings, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love gooey cheese? Just remember to save some for topping, or your family might swoop in like hungry hawks! 😂
I love how quick it is to put together. You just stack the layers, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a warm, cheesy meal without any fuss. Perfect for busy nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef or Turkey: I suggest choosing lean ground meat to keep it from being too greasy. You can substitute with ground chicken, or for a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of sautéed veggies.
Taco Seasoning: Use a packet for ease, but make your own with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. If you’re cutting back on sodium, look for low-sodium seasoning options.
Black Beans: These add fiber and protein. If you don’t have black beans, pinto beans or even kidney beans can do the trick. Canned beans are quick; just rinse them first!
Cheese: A Mexican blend gives great flavor. If you can’t find it, try Monterey Jack or shredded cheddar. For lower fat, use part-skim cheese instead.
How Do You Layer a Lasagna for the Best Result?
Layering is key to building all those delicious flavors! Start with tortillas at the bottom, which soak up moisture and help hold everything together. Each layer should include a protein mixture, cheese, and the sour cream-salsa mix; this adds creaminess.
- Place 2 tortillas, then add the meat mixture and spread it evenly.
- Dollop the sour cream-salsa mix and sprinkle with cheese.
- Repeat this layering until you finish with tortillas and a generous cheese layer on top.
This method ensures each piece is packed and flavorful. Don’t rush; take your time to spread evenly for the best taste!
Easy Cheesy Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), drained
For the Layers:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1 medium tomato, diced (for garnish)
- Optional: sliced jalapeños or diced green chilies for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend a bit of time browning the meat, layering the ingredients, and baking it till hot and bubbly. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it nice and hot for baking your lasagna.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add your ground beef or turkey. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. If there’s extra fat, drain it before moving on.
3. Add Seasoning:
Add the taco seasoning and water into the skillet. Stir it together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, so the sauce thickens a little bit—this is where the flavor happens!
4. Mix in Beans and Tomatoes:
Now, stir in the black beans and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook this mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through and then remove it from the heat.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and salsa. This will be your delicious creamy layer in the lasagna.
6. Start Layering:
Grab a baking dish (around 9×9 inches) and grease it lightly. Start with two tortillas on the bottom. It’s best to slightly overlap them for coverage.
7. Add the Meat Mixture:
Spread a layer of the meat and bean mixture evenly over the tortillas. This is where the hearty filling goes!
8. Spread the Creamy Mixture:
Take that sour cream and salsa blend and dollop it over the meat layer. Gently spread it out to cover the meat.
9. Layer the Cheese:
Sprinkle a good amount of shredded cheese over the creamy layer. Everyone loves a cheesy finish!
10. Repeat the Layers:
Continue the layering process two more times: tortillas, meat, sour cream mixture, and cheese, until you finish with a layer of tortillas on top, finished with more cheese.
11. Bake:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together.
12. Get it Golden:
After 20 minutes, remove the foil, this helps to brown the cheese. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and a little golden.
13. Let it Rest:
Take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before you serve it. This helps it hold together when you scoop it up!
14. Garnish and Serve:
Top with diced tomatoes and chopped green onions before serving! If you like heat, feel free to add the jalapeños or green chilies on top.
Enjoy your cheesy, flavorful Mexican lasagna!
FAQ about Easy Cheesy Mexican Lasagna
Can I Substitute the Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option, or for a vegetarian dish, substitute with lentils or your favorite sautéed vegetables. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on your choice!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can use gluten-free tortillas instead of corn or flour tortillas. Ensure that your taco seasoning and any other added ingredients are also certified gluten-free to keep the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna up to the baking step. Cover it and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, since it will be going into the oven cold.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may want to add a splash of salsa or a little water to keep it moist during reheating!
