If you love the flavors of traditional lasagna but want a spicy, Mexican-inspired twist, this Mexican Lasagna is just what you need! Layers of seasoned ground beef, salsa, beans, tortillas, and plenty of melty cheese come together in a delicious casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd. This dish is super easy to customize with your favorite toppings and ingredients, making it a versatile, fun-to-make meal that everyone will love. Read on for the full recipe, along with helpful tips and variations!
What is Mexican Lasagna?
Mexican Lasagna is a layered casserole that swaps out traditional Italian ingredients like pasta, marinara sauce, and ricotta cheese for Mexican flavors like tortillas, salsa, beans, and seasoned ground beef. Much like a classic lasagna, the ingredients are layered and baked to create a hearty, cheesy, flavor-packed dish. The result is a fusion of Tex-Mex and Italian cuisine that’s comforting, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients List for Mexican Lasagna
To make this tasty Mexican Lasagna, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels, drained
- 2 cups salsa (choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference)
- 10-12 small flour or corn tortillas (you can cut them into halves or quarters to layer them evenly)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (optional, for extra sauciness)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Sliced jalapeños, avocado, or green onions, for garnish
Substitutions and Variations for Mexican Lasagna
Here are a few ways to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:
- Vegetarian version: Skip the ground beef and use a combination of beans (black beans, pinto beans, or refried beans) and sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a delicious meat-free option.
- Ground chicken or turkey: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein.
- Gluten-free option: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this dish gluten-free.
- Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or spicy salsa to give the dish a little extra kick.
- Extra cheesy: Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a little crumbled queso fresco for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy, flavor-packed Mexican Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent.
- Season the beef: Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, so the flavors can blend. If you like it extra saucy, stir in the enchilada sauce as well.
- Assemble the lasagna: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread a small amount of the beef mixture on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking. Lay down a layer of tortillas (you may need to cut them to fit), followed by a layer of the beef mixture, a layer of sour cream, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Cool slightly and serve: Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or green onions if desired.
How to Cook Mexican Lasagna: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the ground beef, then sauté onions and garlic.
- Add taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer tortillas, beef mixture, sour cream, and cheese in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes covered, then bake uncovered for 10 minutes until golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving with optional garnishes like cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few tips to ensure your Mexican Lasagna comes out perfect every time:
- Not draining excess fat: Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Using too much liquid: Be careful not to add too much liquid (like extra salsa or enchilada sauce) or your lasagna may turn out too watery. You want just enough to keep it moist and flavorful, but not soggy.
- Overcooking the tortillas: Keep an eye on the lasagna as it bakes. If you bake it for too long, the tortillas can become overly crisp and lose their soft texture. Covering it with foil helps prevent this.
- Skipping the rest time: Let the lasagna rest for about 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Here’s how to make your Mexican Lasagna look just as good as it tastes:
- Garnish with fresh toppings: Sprinkle the top of the lasagna with freshly chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices to add vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with classic sides: Serve your lasagna with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or tortilla chips with guacamole and salsa.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: For a creamy, tangy contrast to the cheesy casserole, serve each portion with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna
Here’s how to serve this delicious casserole for the best experience:
- Main dish: Serve generous portions of the lasagna as the main course, paired with a simple green salad or a side of Mexican rice and beans.
- Potluck favorite: Mexican Lasagna is perfect for potlucks or large gatherings. It’s easy to transport, serves a crowd, and reheats well.
- Leftovers: Leftover Mexican Lasagna tastes even better the next day! Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole in the oven until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas for Mexican Lasagna
Make your Mexican Lasagna look extra appetizing with these presentation tips:
- Bake in a cast iron skillet: For a rustic presentation, bake the lasagna in a large cast iron skillet and serve it straight from the oven to the table.
- Garnish with colorful toppings: Top the lasagna with a variety of fresh toppings like avocado slices, cilantro, green onions, and jalapeños for a vibrant, eye-catching presentation.
- Serve with a topping bar: Create a “taco bar” with various toppings like salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, and shredded lettuce, so guests can customize their portions.
Mexican Lasagna Recipe Tips
To ensure your Mexican Lasagna is a hit, follow these helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Double the recipe for a crowd: If you’re feeding a large group, double the recipe and bake it in two casserole dishes or one large dish.
- Freeze for later: Mexican Lasagna freezes well. You can assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Mexican Lasagna ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Mexican Lasagna?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
**Q: What tortillas should I use for Mexican
Lasagna?**
A: You can use either corn or flour tortillas depending on your preference. Corn tortillas have a more authentic Mexican flavor, while flour tortillas are softer and more neutral.
Q: How long does Mexican Lasagna last in the fridge?
A: Leftover lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I add other toppings to Mexican Lasagna?
A: Yes! Feel free to add toppings like guacamole, salsa, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños to customize your lasagna.
Conclusion
This Mexican Lasagna is a flavorful, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tortillas, beans, and cheese, this casserole delivers big, bold flavors in every bite. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting a gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a delicious twist on a classic lasagna with a Mexican flair!
PrintMexican Lasagna Recipe
Mexican Lasagna is a delicious, layered casserole that combines ground beef, tortillas, salsa, beans, and cheese for a bold and flavorful meal. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks and offers a fun Mexican twist on traditional lasagna. It's packed with Mexican flavors and topped with melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Canned corn (drained)
- Canned diced green chilies
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, black beans, corn, and diced green chilies. Simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors.
- In the prepared baking dish, spread a layer of the beef mixture. Top with a layer of tortillas, then add a layer of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with sour cream, green onions, and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
- Serve with a side of guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
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