Layers of corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, black beans, green chilies, and melted Colby-Jack cheese make this Mexican Lasagna irresistible! This dish is a delightful fusion of cuisine and flavor.
When you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavor, my Mexican Lasagna recipe will not disappoint. It’s the perfect fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisine, offering all the best parts of a classic lasagna, but with the vibrant spices and ingredients of a Mexican fiesta. Layers of tender corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, black beans, green chilies, and melted Colby-Jack cheese make this dish irresistible. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings with family and friends. With easy steps and ingredients, this Mexican Lasagna is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
MEXICAN LASAGNA
Pasta and Mexican food are at the top of the list when it comes to Lofthouse family favorites. So why not find a way to combine the two of them? That’s exactly what this recipe does, and it brought a smile to each family member under my roof.
The layers of flavor and texture — from the tender corn tortillas to the seasoned meat, melty cheese, and fresh garnishes — make every bite a delight. Plus, it’s easy to adapt to suit your tastes, and the option to make it ahead means less stress when it comes to mealtime. This dish embodies everything you love about a classic lasagna but with a fun, flavorful Mexican twist that will keep your family and guests coming back for seconds. Make it a part of your dinner rotation and enjoy the satisfied smiles around the table!
INGREDIENTS
- 1-pound lean ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cups mild salsa
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 18 corn tortillas, divided
- 4 1/2 cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese, divided
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
Cook and crumble the ground beef with the diced onion in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any grease. Add the minced garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir until well combined. Stir in the salsa, green chilies, and black beans. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir until fully heated through.
Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with 6 corn tortillas, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread 1⁄3 of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
Continue layering the corn tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese to form three layers total. Ending with the cheese on top.
Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from the oven and remove foil. Garnish the top with the diced tomatoes and green onion. Allow lasagna to stand for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy with your favorite toppings!
TOPPING OPTIONS
For a creamy and tangy contrast to the bold spices of the lasagna, a generous dollop of sour cream is the perfect addition. It balances the heat and adds a velvety richness to each bite. Guacamole, with its smooth, buttery texture, complements the corn tortillas and seasoned meat beautifully, adding freshness and a cool counterpoint to the warm layers of lasagna. If you’re a fan of extra moisture and a tangy kick, topping the dish with more salsa to bring an extra burst of flavor that brightens up the entire meal.
Whether you prefer mild, medium, or spicy salsa, the choice is yours, making this dish adaptable to every palate. You can also sprinkle on chopped cilantro, diced jalapeños for heat, or even shredded lettuce for added crunch. The beauty of these toppings lies in their ability to transform a comforting lasagna into a fully customizable, crowd-pleasing meal.
SERVINGS
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people, making it a fantastic option for family dinners or when you have guests over. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can easily make 2 pans!
EVEN BETTER THE NEXT DAY
One of the best things about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat a slice in the microwave or oven for a quick and satisfying meal. The flavors often deepen as the dish sits, making the leftovers even more delicious.
MAKE AHEAD FOR A STRESS-FREE DINNER
This dish is an excellent option for meal prep. You can easily assemble the lasagna in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re looking to freeze it, assemble the lasagna but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, let the lasagna thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
CREATIVE CUSTOMIZATION
While the core of this recipe is already packed with flavor, it’s versatile enough to adjust to your family’s preferences:
– Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef or chicken and add more black beans, corn, or even cooked quinoa for extra protein.
– Spicy Kick: If you like heat, use a spicier salsa or add diced jalapeños into the meat mixture.
– Cheese Lovers: Mix and match your cheeses! Try a blend of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even a little cream cheese to up the richness.
ENJOY THIS RECIPE? HERE ARE A FEW MORE FANTASTIC FUSION RECIPES!
Supreme Pizza Casserole – Loaded with your favorite supreme pizza toppings! This fusion will have you enjoying a slice of pizza from the tip of your fork.
Chicken Fajita Pasta – A flavorful fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors. This pasta is filled with chicken, bell peppers, cheese, and a creamy sauce! Bon Appetit!
Hawaiian Fried Rice – Packed with diced ham, red bell pepper, and pineapple! There’s a sweetness to every bite that makes this rice so heavenly.
Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake – Packed with flavorful ground beef, melted cheese, bell peppers, onion, and penne pasta. This culinary crossover is simply sensational!
Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients
- 1-pound lean ground beef or ground chicken
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup taco seasoning
- ½ cup water
- 1 ½ cups mild salsa
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans drained and rinsed
- 18 corn tortillas divided
- 4 ½ cups cups shredded Colby-Jack cheese divided
- 1 Roma tomato diced
- 2 green onions sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Set aside.
- Cook and crumble the ground beef with the diced onion in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any grease. Add the minced garlic; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add taco seasoning and water. Stir until well combined. Stir in the salsa, green chilies, and black beans. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir until fully heated through.
- Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with 6 corn tortillas, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread 1⁄3 of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of cheese evenly over the meat mixture.
- Continue layering the corn tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese to form three layers total. Ending with the cheese on top.
- Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Carefully remove from the oven and remove foil. Garnish the top with the diced tomatoes and green onion. Allow lasagna to stand for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!