This Mexican Lasagna is a fun twist on the classic! It’s made with layers of tortillas, cheese, spicy meat, and veggies, all baked to perfection. Talk about a fiesta on a plate!
I love how easy it is to swap in different ingredients based on what I have at home. Plus, it’s the perfect dish to feed a crowd—everyone always goes back for seconds! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These form the base of your lasagna, giving it a wonderful texture. If you can’t find corn tortillas, flour tortillas will work too, though they’d change the traditional flavor slightly. Gluten-free tortillas are another great option!
Ground Beef or Turkey: I usually go for ground turkey for a leaner dish. If you’re looking for a meat-free option, try lentils or mushrooms as a substitute. They add nice texture and flavor.
Black Beans: They add protein and a creamy texture. If you’re not a fan, pinto beans or kidney beans can be substituted easily. Canned beans are convenient; just remember to rinse them to reduce sodium.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a nice kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, choose plain diced tomatoes and add a sprinkle of chili powder instead.
Sour Cream: This adds creaminess. You could swap it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist, which provides a similar texture and tang.
How Can You Layer Like a Pro in a Mexican Lasagna?
Layering is key in this dish! To create a balanced and tasty lasagna, you want to repeat your layers evenly. Start with a thin layer of your meat mixture. This prevents the tortillas from sticking to the bottom.
- Begin with the meat mixture first, then lay 4 tortillas on top, overlapping slightly.
- Spread sour cream evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle cheese on top.
- Repeat until you run out of ingredients, always finishing with cheese on top for that melty goodness!
Don’t forget to let it cool a bit after baking. This helps the layers set up nicely, making it easier to serve. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors in every slice!
How to Make Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 2 cups corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking oil (for sautéing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Mexican lasagna will take about 15 minutes to prep and 35-40 minutes to bake, including the cooling time. In total, you’ll spend about 1 hour preparing this scrumptious dish that serves wonderfully for family dinners or gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready for your lasagna.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, heat about a tablespoon of cooking oil over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the ground beef or turkey. Cook it until browned, stirring occasionally. After it’s browned, make sure to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the Good Stuff:
Now, stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and corn. Cook everything together for another 5 minutes until it’s all heated through. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your taste!
4. Start Layering:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of your meat mixture on the bottom. This will be the foundation for your lasagna.
5. Layer the Tortillas:
Next, place 4 corn tortillas over the meat layer, slightly overlapping them like a puzzle piece.
6. Add Sour Cream and Cheese:
Spread a layer of sour cream over the tortillas, then sprinkle a generous amount of cheese on top. This will make it creamy and delicious!
7. Repeat the Layers:
Continue to add layers: meat mixture, tortillas, sour cream, and cheese. Keep going until you use up all your ingredients. Make sure to finish with a top layer of cheese for that gooey goodness!
8. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven for about 20 minutes. Then, take off the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is all bubbly and golden brown.
9. Let It Cool:
Once done, carefully take the lasagna out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This waiting time will help it set a bit!
10. Garnish and Serve:
Last but not least, garnish your lasagna with diced fresh tomatoes, chopped green onions, and cilantro before serving. It adds a lovely burst of color and flavor!
Enjoy your delicious Mexican Lasagna!
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef or Turkey?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or turkey with ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based alternatives like lentils or a meatless crumble for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to cook the meat until fully browned and reach the right seasoning balance if using a different type.
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
No problem! To make this Mexican Lasagna vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and add more beans or vegetables instead. You could use additional black beans, roughly chopped bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a day ahead! Just assemble the lasagna without baking it, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting cold.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Enjoy it just as delicious as the first time!
