If you’re craving something that combines the comforting layers of a classic Italian lasagna with the bold, vibrant flavors of south-of-the-border cuisine, this Mexican Lasagna Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a festive and hearty dish packed with seasoned ground beef, melty cheese, tangy salsa, and soft tortillas all baked to bubbly perfection. Every bite brings a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and savoriness that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where crowd-pleasing is a must.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Mexican Lasagna Recipe is a breeze, and each item plays a crucial role in delivering the dish’s delicious layers of flavor and texture. From the spiced meat mixture to the creamy cheese filling and gooey melted topping, these staples come together to create a satisfying meal.
- Ground beef (1 lb): Provides a flavorful and hearty base; you can swap for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when cooked with the meat.
- Taco seasoning (1 packet): Brings classic Mexican spices that turn ordinary ground beef into a zesty filling.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Offers a rich, saucy backdrop that holds the layers together.
- Salsa (1 cup): Adds brightness and a customizable kick of heat depending on your preferred level.
- Diced green chilies (4 oz can, optional): Boosts the tang and spice for an extra punch.
- Ricotta cheese (2 cups): Gives creamy, mild richness; cottage cheese works well for a lighter touch.
- Egg (1): Helps bind the cheese mixture for a luscious, stable layer.
- Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds earthy warmth that complements the taco seasoning.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Enhances the overall savory flavor profile.
- Shredded Mexican blend cheese (3 cups total): Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a favorite mix for melty goodness throughout.
- Large flour tortillas (6): Create the essential layering—corn tortillas can be substituted for a gluten-free option.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Provides a fresh herbal garnish to brighten every bite.
- Sour cream and extra salsa (for serving, optional): Perfect cooling accompaniments to balance the bold flavors.
How to Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Meat Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly. Once the meat loses its pink color and the onion is softened, drain the fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Season and Simmer the Meat
Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salsa, and the optional diced green chilies to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step transforms simple beef into a deeply flavorful filling perfect for layering.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
While the meat mixture cools a bit, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, ground cumin, garlic powder, and one cup of shredded Mexican cheese in a bowl. Stir until smooth and evenly blended. This creamy mixture will add richness and balance the spicy meat with a luscious texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, start by spreading a thin layer of the meat mixture. Lay down a layer of tortillas—cut or overlap them to cover the whole bottom evenly. Next, spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture across the tortillas. Repeat these layers, alternating meat, tortillas, and cheese mixture until you use all the ingredients, making sure to finish with a layer of meat on the top.
Step 5: Top and Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the top of your assembled lasagna with the remaining two cups of shredded Mexican cheese. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted and bubbling beautifully. When done, allow the lasagna to rest for about five minutes before slicing—this helps it set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat. A dollop of sour cream on each plate also works wonders by cooling the palate and adding creamy contrast. Finally, serving with extra salsa on the side lets everyone customize their heat level.
Side Dishes
This Mexican Lasagna pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides like a fresh green salad or charred corn salad to complement the hearty, cheesy layers. You can also offer Mexican rice or refried beans for a more filling meal that keeps the flavors consistent and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress your guests, serve individual lasagna portions in small cast-iron skillets or colorful ceramic dishes. You can layer your Mexican lasagna in clear glass bakeware so the festive layers are visible before serving, which adds a fun, visual wow factor. Garnish each serving with a lime wedge for an added zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your Mexican Lasagna has cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your leftovers just as delicious as the fresh batch.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for prepping meals in advance. Assemble and bake the lasagna, then let it cool completely. Wrap tightly in foil and place in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave until warmed through or reheat the entire lasagna in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil to keep moisture in, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last few minutes to help the cheese regain its melty, golden texture.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for the Mexican Lasagna Recipe?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas are a fantastic gluten-free alternative. Just be mindful that they can be a bit more delicate, so soften them in a bit of warm water before layering to prevent cracking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms or use a plant-based meat substitute. The rest of the assembly and seasoning stays the same.
Can I prepare the layers ahead of time and bake later?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire Mexican Lasagna Recipe a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready, pop it into the oven and bake as directed. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.
How spicy is the dish by default?
The spice level mostly depends on the salsa and taco seasoning you choose. You can easily control heat by opting for mild salsa or seasoning blends, or kick things up with spicier versions to suit your taste.
What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a perfect substitute for ricotta in this recipe, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor while being a bit lighter. Make sure to blend it well with the other cheese mixture ingredients for best results.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Lasagna Recipe is a wonderful way to bring a fiesta of flavor to your dinner table with little fuss and a lot of heart. Its comforting layers, bold spices, and cheesy goodness are sure to delight everyone you share it with. I hope you’ll give it a try and enjoy all the joy it brings to your kitchen and table!
Print
Mexican Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mexican Lasagna is a flavorful, layered casserole that combines seasoned ground beef, melted Mexican cheeses, and soft tortillas to create a hearty and comforting dish with a Tex-Mex twist. Perfect for family dinners, it features a savory meat sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and is topped with bubbly melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat Layer
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa (choose your heat level)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
Other Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the lasagna later.
- Cook Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the chopped onion, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat for a less greasy result.
- Simmer Meat Sauce: Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salsa, and diced green chilies to the skillet. Stir well to combine and let this mixture simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, ground cumin, garlic powder, and 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese until smooth and thoroughly combined.
- Assemble Lasagna Base: Spread a thin layer of the prepared meat mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create the base layer.
- Add Tortilla Layer: Place a layer of flour or corn tortillas on top of the meat layer. Trim or overlap tortillas slightly if needed to cover the entire surface.
- Spread Cheese Layer: Evenly spread a layer of the cheese mixture over the tortillas to add creamy texture and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering the meat mixture, tortillas, and cheese mixture in the same order until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of meat on top.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese blend generously over the top layer of meat.
- Bake: Place the assembled dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set and make slicing easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve with sour cream and extra salsa on the side for added flavor and moisture.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Switch to corn tortillas to make this dish gluten-free.
- Adjust the heat level of the salsa to suit your personal spice preference.
- The cheese mixture can be made lighter by choosing cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
- Leftovers store well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For extra richness, add a layer of sliced jalapeños or black olives if desired.
