Mexican Lasagna Recipe – A Bold, Cheesy Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
Layers of bold spices, melty cheese, and hearty fillings make Mexican Lasagna Recipe one of those dishes that instantly feels comforting and exciting at the same time. Inspired by classic lasagna but infused with Mexican flavors, this recipe replaces traditional pasta sheets with tortillas and swaps Italian seasoning for taco-style spices.
Every bite delivers a satisfying mix of savory meat, tender beans, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, Mexican Lasagna Recipe brings together the best of two beloved cuisines in one easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a list of ingredients required to make Mexican lasagna, along with approximate calorie counts per serving contribution.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef or ground turkey | 1 lb | 600 |
| Flour or corn tortillas | 8–10 medium | 800 |
| Black beans (drained & rinsed) | 1 can (15 oz) | 350 |
| Corn kernels | 1 cup | 120 |
| Enchilada sauce | 2 cups | 200 |
| Shredded Mexican cheese blend | 2 cups | 800 |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium | 45 |
| Bell pepper, diced | 1 medium | 30 |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 10 |
| Taco seasoning | 1 packet or 2 tbsp | 40 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 120 |
| Fresh cilantro (optional) | 2 tablespoons | 5 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. - Season and combine
Add ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and 1 cup of enchilada sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes. - Assemble the layers
Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the baking dish. Layer tortillas to cover the bottom, followed by meat mixture and shredded cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with cheese on top. - Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. - Rest and serve
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Make it vegetarian: Replace meat with sautéed zucchini, mushrooms, or extra beans.
- Add heat: Include diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot enchilada sauce.
- Use chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully as a substitute for ground meat.
- Low-carb option: Use low-carb tortillas or thinly sliced zucchini layers.
- Extra creamy: Add a layer of sour cream or cream cheese mixed with salsa between layers.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420–480 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 32 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Pair with a fresh green salad or Mexican corn coleslaw
- Add toppings like sour cream, avocado, or salsa
- Enjoy leftovers for lunch or meal prep throughout the week
Mexican Lasagna Recipe – A Bold, Cheesy Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
6
servings20
minutes40
minutes420-480
kcalIngredients
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
8–10 flour or corn tortillas
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels
2 cups enchilada sauce
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Brown meat: Add ground meat and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Season: Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and 1 cup enchilada sauce. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Assemble layers: Spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce in the baking dish. Add tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest & serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro if desired.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Flavor improves with rest: Allow the Mexican lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking to help the layers set and enhance flavor.
Tortilla choice: Flour tortillas create softer layers, while corn tortillas add a more authentic texture and flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make Mexican lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, Mexican lasagna is perfect for making ahead. Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready or reheat before serving.
2. Can I freeze Mexican lasagna?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What tortillas work best for Mexican lasagna?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well. Flour tortillas create softer layers, while corn tortillas add a more traditional Mexican flavor and slightly firmer texture.
4. How do I make Mexican lasagna vegetarian?
Simply replace the meat with extra beans, lentils, or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
5. Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Yes! Shredded chicken or ground chicken is an excellent substitute and pairs well with enchilada sauce and cheese.
Conclusion
Mexican lasagna is the ultimate comfort food fusion, combining rich layers of flavor with simple preparation. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish delivers bold Mexican-inspired taste in every cheesy slice. Easy to customize and even better the next day, Mexican lasagna is a recipe worth keeping in regular rotation for anyone who loves hearty, satisfying meals with a twist.
