Mexican lasagna is a fun twist on the classic dish! Layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, beans, and cheese come together for a delicious meal everyone will love.
It’s like a fiesta on your plate! I always enjoy making it because it’s super easy and perfect for leftovers. Just add some salsa on top, and you’re all set! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: These give a unique texture and flavor to the lasagna. If you can’t find corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas, but the taste will be different. I love the authentic taste of corn tortillas!
Ground Beef or Turkey: Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. I often mix both for extra flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider using lentils or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty texture!
Black Beans: These are a fantastic source of protein and add a creamy texture. If you’re short on black beans, kidney beans or pinto beans work well too and will give you a different taste.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This ingredient adds a lovely kick to the dish. If you prefer no heat, you can use plain diced tomatoes and adjust the spice to your liking by adding some bell pepper instead.
Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend is perfect here. If you want to make it healthier, try reduced-fat cheese. To mix things up, I sometimes add a bit of pepper jack for extra spice!
What’s the Best Way to Layer a Lasagna?
Layering is key to a great lasagna. You want every bite to be flavorful. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a thin layer of your meat and bean mixture at the bottom. This prevents tortillas from sticking.
- Lay down three corn tortillas, overlapping slightly, to cover the mixture.
- Add more meat mixture and then sprinkle 1/3 of your cheese.
- Repeat layers until you run out of ingredients, making sure to end with a layer of tortillas topped with the remaining cheese for a cheesy finish.
Keep it neat! You can press down gently on each layer as you go. This helps everything stick together during baking. Happy layering!
How to Make Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 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
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 35-40 minutes for cooking, so plan for about 1 hour in total. You will enjoy a delicious baked lasagna filled with flavorful Mexican ingredients!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the right temperature for our cheesy lasagna!
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat. Stir it around until it’s fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat to keep it healthy!
3. Add Vegetables and Spices:
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them together for about 3-4 minutes, just until the onion is soft. Then, stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook this mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors nicely.
4. Layer the Ingredients:
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread a light layer of the meat and bean mixture at the bottom. Place 3 corn tortillas on top, then add another layer of the meat mixture and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat the layering until you run out of ingredients, finishing off with a final layer of tortillas and the remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep it nice and moist. Bake it in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the lasagna cool for about 10 minutes so it sets up nicely when you slice it. Then, garnish with fresh cilantro on top and serve with sour cream and diced avocado if you’d like. Enjoy your delicious Mexican Lasagna with friends and family!
Can I Substitute Flour Tortillas for Corn Tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer! Just keep in mind that they will have a different texture and flavor than corn tortillas. Layer them in the same way, adjusting baking time slightly if necessary.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef or Turkey?
If you want a healthier or vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with lean ground chicken, shredded cooked chicken, or even sautéed mushrooms for a rich flavor. If you go vegetarian, consider adding extra beans or lentils for protein!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual portions! Just ensure they’re properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn, and they’ll keep for about 2-3 months.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Mexican lasagna in advance and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if you’re cooking it straight from the fridge!
