Heavenly Mexican Lasagna

Byarlo Jack
Heavenly Mexican Lasagna

Mexican Lasagna is one of those cozy, satisfying comfort meals that brings everyone to the table with excitement. It blends the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine; savory ground beef, warm spices, melty cheese, tangy salsa, and soft tortillas, layered together casserole-style just like traditional lasagna. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and meal prep. This recipe is easy to customize and always turns out irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is simple to make yet full of flavor. Instead of noodles, we use flour or corn tortillas to create layers that bake up tender and delicious. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and freezer-friendly too. You can make it mild or spicy depending on your taste, and the leftovers heat beautifully.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
  • 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes or Rotel
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack)
  • 8 to 10 flour or corn tortillas
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, cilantro, green onions, jalapeños, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the diced onion until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
  3. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  4. Stir in taco seasoning, salsa, tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Lightly grease a baking dish. Place a layer of tortillas on the bottom.
  6. Spoon a layer of the beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with cheese.
  7. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous cheese layer.
  8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes to brown the cheese.
  9. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  10. Garnish with fresh toppings of your choice.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice.
  • Pair with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables.
  • Add a refreshing non-alcoholic mocktail like lime spritzer or agua fresca.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Replace ground beef with turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter option.
  • Swap black beans with pinto beans or kidney beans.
  • Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
  • Replace salsa with enchilada sauce for a richer, saucier texture.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
  • To freeze, wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Make Ahead Instructions

Assemble the casserole up to one day before baking. Keep covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if chilled.

Conclusion

This Heavenly Mexican Lasagna is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Tex-Mex cooking and classic layered casseroles. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights and delicious enough for special gatherings. With its customizable ingredients and family-friendly taste, this recipe is sure to become a repeat favorite. Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, layer up the goodness, and enjoy a warm, cheesy slice of comfort tonight!

FAQs

Yes. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving. Add a few extra minutes of bake time if placing it in the oven straight from the fridge.

Yes. Corn tortillas work beautifully, especially for a more authentic Tex-Mex flavor. If using corn tortillas, warm them slightly before layering to prevent tearing.

Replace the ground beef with extra beans, lentils, tofu crumbles, or a plant-based meat substitute. Everything else in the recipe already fits a vegetarian diet (as long as your cheese is suitable).

The base recipe is mild to moderate. To make it spicier, use hot salsa, add jalapeños, chipotle in adobo, or a pinch of cayenne. For a milder version, use mild taco seasoning and mild salsa.

Yes. Mexican lasagna freezes really well. Cool it completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.