Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Try This Zesty Mexican Lasagna Recipe Tonight

Layers of vibrant mexican lasagna dance with zesty flavors that bring a fiesta to your plate.

Cheesy comfort meets south-of-the-border excitement in this mouthwatering twist on classic Italian cuisine.

Tortillas replace traditional pasta sheets, creating a bold culinary fusion.

Spicy ground beef mingles with creamy beans and melted cheese for an irresistible combination.

Colorful ingredients promise a meal that’ll spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing creation.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this delicious mashup of culinary traditions.

Mexican Lasagna That’s Cheesy, Saucy, and Zesty

  • Customize and Conquer: Easily adapt this recipe to suit different dietary needs or preferences by swapping ingredients like ground turkey, plant-based meat, or adding extra veggies.
  • Family Fusion Feast: Creates a crowd-pleasing meal that combines the comfort of lasagna with zesty Mexican flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Quick and Convenient: Requires minimal prep time and uses straightforward ingredients, allowing busy home cooks to whip up a delicious meal in under an hour with simple cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers a hearty, cheesy dish that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming traditional lasagna into an exciting, spice-filled culinary adventure.

Mexican Lasagna Ingredient Set

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: Rich protein source for hearty Mexican-style lasagna, choose lean beef for less fat.
  • Taco Seasoning: Adds bold southwestern flavor to the meat, select low-sodium option if preferred.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully for creamy texture, use Mexican blend or cheddar for authentic taste.
  • Sour Cream: Provides cool, tangy layer that complements spicy elements, full-fat version recommended.
Vegetable and Bean Layer:
  • Refried Beans: Creamy base that adds depth and protein, select traditional or black bean variety.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and fresh tomato flavor, canned or fresh both work well.
  • Corn: Sweet kernel texture that brings brightness to the dish, frozen or canned kernels acceptable.
  • Red Onion: Sharp flavor accent that provides crispness, finely chop for even distribution.
  • Lasagna Noodles: Structural component creating layered texture, standard or no-boil noodles work.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright garnish with classic Mexican herb flavor, chop just before serving.

Make Mexican Lasagna at Home

Step 1: Prepare Oven

Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s fully heated before baking.

Step 2: Brown Meat

Heat a skillet over medium flame and cook ground beef until completely browned.

Drain excess fat and mix in taco seasoning thoroughly, ensuring the meat is evenly coated with spices.

Step 3: Create First Layer

Ingredients for first layer:
  • Refried beans
  • Lasagna noodles
  • Ground beef
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Corn
  • Shredded cheese

Spread a thin layer of refried beans across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Carefully place lasagna noodles over the beans, covering the entire surface.

Top with half of the following ingredients:
  • Cooked seasoned beef
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Corn
  • Shredded cheese

Step 4: Build Second Layer

Repeat the layering process by adding another set of noodles.

Cover with remaining half of beef, tomatoes, corn, and sprinkle another third of cheese.

Step 5: Finish Top Layer

Add the final layer of lasagna noodles.

Spread sour cream evenly across the top.

Generously sprinkle remaining cheese and scatter chopped red onion over the surface.

Step 6: Bake Perfectly

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until cheese becomes bubbly and develops a golden color.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro immediately before serving.

The bright green herbs will add a pop of color and fresh flavor to your Mexican Lasagna.

Lasagna Tips for That Spicy Mexican Kick

  • Drain canned tomatoes and corn thoroughly to avoid excess liquid that can make the dish watery.
  • Adjust taco seasoning or add diced jalapeños to control the heat intensity according to your preference.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make slicing easier.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for dietary flexibility.
  • Assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for enhanced flavor melding.

Reheat Mexican Lasagna Leftovers

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
  • Cut into individual portions, place on a microwave-safe plate, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until warmed completely. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Mexican Lasagna Complements

  • Perfectly Paired Margaritas: Mix a classic citrusy margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the Mexican-inspired lasagna's bold, spicy flavors.
  • Cooling Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, crisp cucumber salad with fresh dill and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty lasagna's warmth.
  • Zesty Salsa Side: Serve a fresh pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro to add bright, fresh notes that cut through the lasagna's richness.
  • Mexican Beer Pairing: Choose a light, crisp Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to refresh the palate and enhance the dish's southwestern profile.

Mexican Lasagna in Layered Style Options

  • Vegetarian Fiesta: Replace ground beef with black beans, quinoa, or plant-based meat crumbles for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Gluten-Free Mexican Casserole: Swap traditional lasagna noodles with corn tortillas or gluten-free pasta sheets to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
  • Low-Carb Zucchini Layer Option: Use thinly sliced zucchini instead of noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and add extra vegetables.
  • Dairy-Free Mexican Bake: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, and use coconut-based sour cream for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients that give this Mexican Lasagna its unique flavor?

The combination of taco-seasoned ground beef, refried beans, corn, and diced tomatoes creates a bold, zesty Tex-Mex taste that sets this dish apart from traditional lasagna.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives. Keep the same layering technique and seasoning for a delicious vegetarian version.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on the taco seasoning you choose. Some brands are mild, while others are more intense. You can control the heat by selecting a mild seasoning or adding hot sauce for extra kick.

  • How difficult is this recipe for a home cook?

This Mexican Lasagna is beginner-friendly. It requires basic cooking skills like browning meat, layering ingredients, and baking. Even novice cooks can successfully prepare this tasty dish with simple step-by-step instructions.

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Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Mexican Lasagna Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Layered with zesty mexican lasagna flavors, this culinary creation blends classic Italian techniques with bold southwestern spices. Rich cheese, tender tortillas, and spicy proteins meld together, promising a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup sour cream

Vegetables and Beans:

  • 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
  • 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Noodles, Seasonings, and Cheese:

  • 12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the casserole dish by creating a foundational spread of refried beans across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking vessel.
  2. Craft the meat layer by thoroughly browning ground beef in a skillet, eliminating excess fat, and infusing with robust taco seasoning until perfectly integrated.
  3. Construct the first structural layer by carefully positioning lasagna noodles atop the bean foundation, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Distribute the seasoned beef evenly across the noodles, followed by a generous scattering of diced tomatoes and golden corn kernels.
  5. Shower the initial layer with a cascade of shredded cheese, creating a melty blanket that promises rich flavor complexity.
  6. Repeat the layering process, mirroring the previous arrangement of noodles, beef, tomatoes, corn, and another substantial cheese covering.
  7. Crown the casserole with a final noodle layer, then artfully spread a smooth sour cream surface across the top.
  8. Embellish the summit with remaining cheese and finely chopped red onion for added texture and zest.
  9. Encase the dish in aluminum foil, then transfer to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for a 25-minute transformative bake.
  10. Unveil the foil for a final 10-minute crisping session, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn a tempting golden hue.
  11. Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs just before serving, adding a vibrant herbal flourish to the Mexican-inspired lasagna.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to help it set and make slicing easier without falling apart.
  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to reduce prep time and simplify the layering process without compromising the dish’s structural integrity.
  • Consider adding jalapeños or green chiles for extra heat and a more authentic Mexican kick if you enjoy spicier dishes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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