Mexican Taco Lasagna offers a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with the comforting layers of lasagna. This hearty dish brings together the essence of tacos and the familiar structure of lasagna, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with chiles, drained
- 1 can Nacho Cheese Soup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 cup grated cheddar
- 12 8-inch soft tortillas
- Guacamole, cilantro, sour cream for topping, as desired
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×9 baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and crumble it as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, drain the excess grease.
- Add the taco seasoning and water to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the drained diced tomatoes with chiles, Nacho Cheese Soup, and sour cream. Mix well, then add the cooked beef mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Begin layering the lasagna in the prepared baking dish: Place 3 tortillas at the bottom of the dish, then spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of tortillas on top.
- Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top layer of tortillas.
- Bake the Mexican Taco Lasagna for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
Tips:
- Customize your Mexican Taco Lasagna with additional toppings such as guacamole, fresh cilantro, or extra sour cream for added flavor and freshness.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef for a lighter variation of this dish.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences or to add an extra layer of complexity to the flavors.
Conclusion:
Mexican Taco Lasagna is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines the best elements of Mexican cuisine with the comforting appeal of lasagna. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or as the centerpiece of a gathering with friends and family, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the layers of seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and soft tortillas, topped with your favorite garnishes for a memorable meal that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Mexican cooking.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, Mexican Taco Lasagna can be prepared ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. You can assemble the lasagna up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove it from the refrigerator, uncover it, and bake it according to the recipe instructions. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the baking time slightly if the lasagna is cold from the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze Mexican Taco Lasagna for later?
- Absolutely! Mexican Taco Lasagna is a great candidate for freezing, allowing you to have a delicious meal on hand for busy days or last-minute dinners. To freeze the lasagna, assemble it as directed but do not bake it. Instead, wrap the unbaked lasagna tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Label the package with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy the lasagna, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking it according to the recipe instructions. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly to ensure that it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Can I customize this recipe to suit dietary preferences or restrictions?
- Yes, Mexican Taco Lasagna is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to accommodate various dietary preferences and restrictions. For example, if you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the ground beef and instead use a combination of black beans, corn, and bell peppers as a flavorful alternative. Additionally, you can make the lasagna gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. For those watching their dairy intake, you can use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives. Feel free to get creative and adapt the recipe to suit your specific dietary needs and preferences.
- What are some serving suggestions for Mexican Taco Lasagna?
- Mexican Taco Lasagna is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by serving it with a variety of accompaniments and side dishes. Some popular serving suggestions include:
- Freshly made guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo for added flavor and freshness.
- A crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the lasagna.
- Cornbread or garlic breadsticks for dipping into the cheesy layers of the lasagna.
- A side of Spanish rice or Mexican street corn for a complete and satisfying meal. These side dishes complement the flavors of the lasagna and add variety to the plate.
Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Mexican Lasagna replaces pasta with soft tortillas and layers them with seasoned ground meat, beans, and melted cheese. It’s easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners or gatherings, and packed with bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
Ingredients
Scale
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 1/2 cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
For the Layers:
- 8 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
- 1 cup sour cream (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, salsa, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to combine the flavors.
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Place 2 tortillas over the meat mixture, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom.
- Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the cheese.
- Repeat the layers (tortillas, meat mixture, cheese) two more times, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
- Optionally, dollop sour cream and sprinkle black olives on top.
-
Bake:
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with optional toppings like guacamole, more sour cream, or jalapeños.
Notes
- Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms, or add extra beans.
- Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or use a spicy salsa for extra heat.
- Leftovers: This dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.