Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of sizzling onions and spices wafts through my kitchen, bringing back cherished family memories of laughter and hearty meals. This Mexican Lasagna Recipe transforms traditional flavors into a cozy casserole that tantalizes the taste buds with each bite. Layered with soft corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheese, it’s not only a delightful comfort food but also a time-saver for busy weeknights. Imagine assembling this feast in just a fraction of the time it takes to order takeout or the best part? You can easily make it ahead—perfect for those moments when everyone gathers for a meal. Ready to dive into a dish that promises warmth and satisfaction? Let’s get cooking! Why is This Mexican Lasagna a Must-Try? Comfort in Every Bite: This Mexican Lasagna combines classic flavors that will transport you straight to a family fiesta. Effortless Preparation: With simple steps, you can whip up this dish quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights! Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite proteins or even go vegetarian; it’s a canvas for your culinary creativity. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for gatherings, the layered goodness is sure to delight both kids and adults alike. Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it the night before and simply pop it in the oven for an effortless dinner; you won’t regret it! Pair this with a refreshing side like Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade for a complete meal that everyone will love! Mexican Lasagna Ingredients • Ready to gather what you need for a fantastic Mexican Lasagna? For the Casserole Neutral Oil – Use for cooking onions and peppers; olive oil works great too! Large White or Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; shallots are a milder alternative. Medium Red Bell Pepper – Brings sweetness and crunch; green bell peppers can work, but they are less sweet. Lean Ground Beef – The protein base for your dish; feel free to swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Tomato Paste – For rich flavor and color; can substitute with fresh tomatoes if preferred. Taco Seasoning – Boosts flavor wonderfully; a blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder can be used as substitutes. Frozen Corn Kernels – Adds sweetness and texture; canned corn is a perfectly acceptable substitute. Diced Green Chiles – Provides mild heat and depth of flavor; fresh jalapeños can be used for more spice. Red Enchilada Sauce – Adds moisture and flavor; feel free to try green enchilada sauce for a different taste. Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; regular salt is fine too, just adjust to taste. For the Cheesy Layers Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts wonderfully for creaminess; substitute with Cheddar if you desire. Mild Cheddar Cheese – Adds vibrant flavor and color; you can use more Monterey Jack or a cheese blend if you prefer. For Assembling Corn Tortillas – Forms the base layers instead of pasta; flour tortillas are an option but will alter the texture. Refried Beans – Offers creaminess and protein; black beans can take their place if you’d like. For Topping and Garnish Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Adds a burst of freshness for garnish; parsley can work as a different herb option. Pico de Gallo, Sour Cream, Diced Avocado – Optional toppings that enhance flavor and add a fresh touch. Gather these ingredients and prepare to enjoy a comforting meal that embodies the spirit of family gatherings—all right from your kitchen! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mexican Lasagna Recipe Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). This temperature ensures that your Mexican Lasagna bakes evenly, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and the flavors to blend perfectly. As it heats, take a moment to gather your ingredients and equipment, making the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add a chopped large onion and a medium red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant. This step adds depth and flavor to your Mexican Lasagna before introducing the meat. Step 3: Cook the Ground Beef Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked. The meat should be crumbly and no longer pink. This savory layer plays a crucial role in the heartiness of your Mexican Lasagna. Step 4: Incorporate the Flavors Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, cooking for another 2 minutes until the mixture is fragrant. This enriches the beef with a warm Tex-Mex flavor profile. Take a moment to relish the delicious aromas wafting up, as this is the heart of your Mexican Lasagna. Step 5: Mix in Corn and Chiles Add 1 cup of frozen corn and 1 can of diced green chiles into the skillet, mixing until combined. Remove the skillet from heat once everything is evenly mixed. The corn adds sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall appeal of your Mexican Lasagna. Step 6: Combine with Enchilada Sauce Reserve 1 cup of red enchilada sauce, then mix the remainder into the skillet with the beef mixture. Season with kosher salt to taste, adjusting as necessary. This combination is essential for creating the layered structure and flavor in your Mexican Lasagna while keeping it moist. Step 7: Layer the Casserole In a baking dish, start layering by spreading ½ cup of reserved enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place 6 corn tortillas evenly over the sauce, followed by half of the refried beans, half of the beef mixture, and then sprinkle with 1/3 of the Monterey Jack and mild cheddar cheeses. Repeat these layers to create a hearty texture. Step 8: Final Layer and Bake Top with the remaining tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese mixture. Cover the baking dish loosely with greased foil to prevent sticking. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. This final step encapsulates the layered goodness of your Mexican Lasagna, blending all flavors beautifully. Step 9: Cool and Serve Once your Mexican Lasagna is out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serve. The end result should be a hot, cheesy masterpiece with a perfect combination of textures and flavors, ideal for sharing with family. What to Serve with Mexican Lasagna The perfect meal is waiting to be created, and these delightful pairings will elevate your cozy dinner experience to new heights. Fresh Garden Salad: A crunchy blend of mixed greens and vibrant vegetables refreshes the palate, balancing the richness of the lasagna. Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: The creamy, buttery guacamole paired with crunchy chips offers a textural contrast, enhancing the Mexican flavors throughout the dish. Spanish Rice: Fluffy and fragrant, this side brings a gentle warmth and complements the hearty layers beautifully, making every bite irresistible. Charred Corn on the Cob: Grilled to perfection, sweet corn adds a smoky flavor and sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spiced beef and cheese. Pico de Gallo: A fresh, zesty salsa brightens up the dish, adding a splash of flavor and color to each plate, perfect for scooping on top of the lasagna. Creamy Avocado Salad: Tossed in lime juice and cilantro, this cool salad provides a refreshing contrast and a creamy texture that complements the warmth of the casserole. Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade: This bubbly drink adds a refreshing sweetness and a hint of tartness, perfectly balancing the savory and rich notes of the meal. Churros with Chocolate Sauce: End the night on a sweet note! Soft and crispy churros, dusted with cinnamon sugar, offer a delightful finish to your comforting meal. Expert Tips for Mexican Lasagna Recipe Layering Technique: Always start and end with tortillas; this ensures even cooking and helps hold the layers together while serving. Prevent Sogginess: Allow the beef mixture to cool before assembling your Mexican Lasagna. This prevents the tortillas from absorbing too much moisture. Cheese Choices: Experiment with a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar for added flavor, but avoid using too much mozzarella, which can become stringy. Extra Crunch: For a crispy edge, remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. This gives the cheese a delightful golden crust! Modify Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or chiles based on your family’s heat tolerance; this dish can be as mild or spicy as you like. Storage Tips: If you’re making ahead, assemble but wait to bake; refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This way, you can enjoy the fresh taste without losing quality! How to Store and Freeze Mexican Lasagna Fridge: Store leftover Mexican Lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the oven or microwave until heated through for best results. Freezer: Freeze the assembled, unbaked Mexican Lasagna for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. To reheat leftovers, pop individual portions in the oven for a crispy texture, or microwave for quicker warmth. Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble your Mexican Lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it without baking. When ready, simply pop it in the oven for a convenient, hearty meal! Mexican Lasagna Recipe Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by customizing this delightful Mexican Lasagna to suit your tastes! Protein Swap: Substitute lean ground beef with shredded chicken for a lighter twist, or use black beans for a hearty vegetarian option. Each protein brings its unique flavor and texture. Sauce Variation: Try using green enchilada sauce instead of red for a refreshing change. This simple swap can completely alter the flavor profile, giving it a unique flair. Cheese Blend: Mix Monterey Jack with Pepper Jack cheese for an extra kick! The creamy texture of Monterey Jack balanced with the spicy notes of Pepper Jack creates a deliciously zesty layer. Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach or zucchini to the beef mixture for a nutritional boost and additional flavor. These veggies add moisture and complement the spices beautifully! Extra Spice: For those who crave heat, incorporate fresh jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the beef mixture. This addition will surely elevate the dish for spice lovers. Tortilla Twist: Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, chewier texture. Just remember that this change may alter the traditional feel and taste! Flavorful Toppings: Layer sliced olives or roasted red peppers between the layers of cheese for extra flavor contrasts. These toppings can add a delightful crunch and enhance the overall taste experience. You might also enjoy pairing your Mexican Lasagna with a refreshing Sparkling Raspberry Lemonade or a colorful Mexican Macaroni Salad for a festive meal! Make Ahead Options These Mexican Lasagna recipes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Make sure to let your beef mixture cool completely before layering to prevent sogginess. If you prefer, you can also prepare the individual components, like sautéing the vegetables and cooking the beef, up to 3 days ahead—just refrigerate them separately in airtight containers. When it’s time to eat, simply bake it as directed straight from the fridge, increasing the bake time by about 5-10 minutes until it’s bubbling and hot. Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Mexican Lasagna with minimal effort! Mexican Lasagna Recipe FAQs What type of tortillas should I use for Mexican Lasagna? I recommend using corn tortillas for an authentic texture that holds the layers together. If you prefer flour tortillas, they can be used, but note that they might alter the texture and flavor of the dish slightly. How long can I store leftovers of Mexican Lasagna? Leftover Mexican Lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, I suggest using the oven to keep the edges crispy—simply cover loosely with foil during the first part of reheating to prevent the cheese from burning. Can I freeze Mexican Lasagna? Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled, unbaked Mexican Lasagna for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as usual. What should I do if my Mexican Lasagna is too soggy? If you find your lasagna is soggy, it’s likely because the beef mixture was too hot when assembled, or there was excessive moisture in your ingredients. To avoid this, allow the beef mixture to cool before layering. Additionally, using a slotted spoon when adding beans or other wet ingredients can help reduce excess liquid. Is this Mexican Lasagna suitable for gluten-free diets? To make this Mexican Lasagna gluten-free, simply use gluten-free corn tortillas. Most taco seasonings are naturally gluten-free, but it’s always wise to check the labels for any hidden gluten content. Enjoy your hearty dish without worry! Can I customize the protein in Mexican Lasagna? Very much so! You can swap out the lean ground beef for shredded chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like black beans or lentils. The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—feel free to mix and match based on your dietary needs and preferences! Hearty Mexican Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Family Nights This Hearty Mexican Lasagna Recipe is a cozy, comforting dish that combines traditional flavors for a delightful family meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins Servings: 6 slicesCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanCalories: 380 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Casserole2 tablespoons neutral oil Use for cooking onions and peppers1 large white or yellow onion Adds sweetness and depth1 medium red bell pepper Brings sweetness and crunch1 pound lean ground beef The protein base for your dish2 tablespoons tomato paste For rich flavor and color1 tablespoon taco seasoning Boosts flavor wonderfully1 cup frozen corn kernels Adds sweetness and texture1 can diced green chiles Provides mild heat and depth1 cup red enchilada sauce Adds moisture and flavor1 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances flavorFor the Cheesy Layers1 cup Monterey Jack cheese Melts wonderfully for creaminess1 cup mild cheddar cheese Adds vibrant flavor and colorFor Assembling12 corn tortillas Forms the base layers instead of pasta2 cups refried beans Offers creaminess and proteinFor Topping and Garnish1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro Adds a burst of freshness1 pico de gallo Optional topping1 sour cream Optional topping1 diced avocado Optional topping Equipment Large SkilletBaking dish Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsPreheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil over medium heat.Add a chopped large onion and a medium red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 4 minutes until the onion turns translucent.Add 1 pound of lean ground beef to the skillet, cooking for 6-8 minutes until the beef is browned.Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning, cooking for another 2 minutes.Mix in 1 cup of frozen corn and 1 can of diced green chiles.Reserve 1 cup of red enchilada sauce, then mix the remainder into the skillet with the beef mixture. Season with kosher salt to taste.Spread ½ cup of reserved enchilada sauce in a baking dish, layer with 6 corn tortillas, half of refried beans, half of beef mixture, and sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheeses.Repeat these layers, topping with remaining tortillas, enchilada sauce, and cheese mixture. Cover with foil.Bake for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and golden. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 380kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3.5mg NotesAllow the ground beef mixture to cool before assembling to prevent sogginess. If making ahead, refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
