This Mexican Lasagna layers tasty tortillas with seasoned ground beef, cheese, and zesty salsa. It’s like a fiesta in your baking dish!
Honestly, it’s hard to resist sneaking a bite right out of the oven! I love serving it with a dollop of sour cream. Trust me, it just makes everything better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These are essential for the layers in your lasagna. Corn tortillas give a nice flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, flour tortillas work too, but they will soften faster and may change the taste slightly.
Ground Beef or Turkey: I often go with ground turkey for a lighter option. If you’re looking for something more plant-based, try using lentils, crumbled tofu, or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat for a similar texture.
Black Beans: They add protein and fiber, plus a hearty texture. If black beans aren’t available, pinto beans or kidney beans can be tasty alternatives. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well.
Corn: Whether you choose fresh, frozen, or canned corn, it adds sweetness. I prefer using fresh corn when in season for the best flavor, but frozen works well and is super convenient.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This adds a spicy kick. If you want less heat, use regular diced tomatoes instead, and add in a pinch of chili powder or a little chopped bell pepper for flavor.
Chelsea Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack create a delicious melting effect. If you want to switch it up, use Pepper Jack for extra spice or a non-dairy cheese for a vegan option.
How Do I Layer the Ingredients Correctly?
Layering is key in making your Mexican Lasagna both beautiful and tasty! Start with a little meat mixture at the bottom to prevent sticking. Each layer should be evenly spread for balanced flavor in every bite.
- Begin with tortillas, followed by a generous spread of sour cream, and then the meat mixture.
- Layer on some cheese before topping it with more tortillas.
- Repeat these steps until all ingredients are used, finishing with tortillas and then the remaining cheese on top.
- Cover with foil to keep the moisture in while baking, then uncover in the last 15 minutes for that golden cheese layer.
Remember to let it cool a bit after baking! This helps set the layers and makes serving easier.
How to Make Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Layers:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: diced tomatoes for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Mexican Lasagna will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to bake. Overall, you’re looking at less than an hour for a warm and hearty meal that serves about 6-8 people. Perfect for a family dinner or a fiesta!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your lasagna will bake evenly and deliciously.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Stir occasionally to break up the meat. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep it light and healthy.
3. Mix in the Good Stuff:
Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (including their juices) into the skillet. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning, and cook this mixture for about 5 minutes. This allows all the flavors to come together beautifully. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste!
4. Layer in the Baking Dish:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of your meat mixture on the bottom. Then, lay 3 corn tortillas over the meat, slightly overlapping them to cover the bottom.
5. Add the Cream and Cheese:
Now, spread half of the sour cream over the tortillas. Next, add another layer of the meat mixture and sprinkle 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and half of the Monterey Jack cheese over that.
6. Build the Layers:
Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients. You’ll alternate tortillas, sour cream, meat mixture, and cheese. Make sure to finish with a layer of tortillas on top.
7. Top It Off:
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses on the top layer. This will create a bubbly, cheesy crust!
8. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 minutes. You want the cheese to be nice and bubbly, with a golden color.
9. Let It Cool and Serve:
Once done, let your Mexican Lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing. Top it with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and optional diced tomatoes for that extra pop of flavor and color.
10. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve warm and enjoy this comforting, zesty Mexican Lasagna with your family and friends. It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Tortillas Other Than Corn?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas give the traditional Mexican lasagna flavor, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just be aware that flour tortillas may change the texture slightly, making it a bit softer, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this Mexican lasagna vegetarian by substituting the ground beef or turkey with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even crumbled soy-based meat alternatives. Be sure to check the taco seasoning for any meat-based ingredients if you’re keeping it 100% plant-based!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When ready to bake, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from a cold state.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out) until warmed through. You might want to add a little cheese on top while reheating for extra deliciousness!
