This Mexican Lasagna is a fun twist on the classic dish! Layers of tortillas, spicy beans, cheese, and salsa create a delicious meal that’s packed with flavor.
It’s easy to make and feeds a crowd, which means more time to enjoy with friends instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love cheesy goodness? 🧀
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn tortillas: These are key for layers in Mexican lasagna. If you can’t find corn tortillas, feel free to use flour tortillas instead—they’ll still taste great!
Ground beef or turkey: I often use ground turkey for a lighter option, but beef adds a nice richness. You can also use plant-based ground meat if you want a meat-free version.
Black beans & refried beans: Use any canned beans you have on hand, like pinto beans or kidney beans. Both can bring a different flavor but work wonderfully.
Cheese: I love a combo of cheddar and Monterey Jack, but you could swap for pepper jack for a little kick, or use any cheese you love!
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great alternative for garnish. It adds color without the strong flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Lasagna Layers Don’t Fall Apart?
Layering the ingredients properly is essential to keep your Mexican lasagna intact when serving. Here’s how to do that:
- Start with a thin layer of the meat mixture at the bottom. This creates a base that helps everything stick.
- Overlap the tortillas slightly and press them down gently. This way, they hold the fillings better.
- Make sure your final layer has enough cheese on top. This helps bind everything together as it melts.
- Let it cool for a few minutes after baking. This resting time will set the layers nicely!
How to Make Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lasagna:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and Monterey Jack mixed)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 cup salsa (for serving)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, sour cream, jalapeños
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mexican Lasagna will take about 15 minutes to prep and around 40 minutes to cook. So, you will need approximately 55 minutes in total to get this tasty dish ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your lasagna!
2. Cook the Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until it’s fully browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat, drain it out so your lasagna doesn’t become greasy.
3. Mix the Filling:
Add the diced onion, black beans, refried beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, corn, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld nicely!
4. Assemble the Lasagna:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat and bean mixture on the bottom. Place 4 corn tortillas over the mixture, overlapping them if needed. Then, add another layer of the meat mixture on top of the tortillas, and sprinkle some shredded cheese on top. Repeat this layering process until you run out of tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese, finishing with cheese on the very top.
5. Bake the Lasagna:
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After that, take off the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once out of the oven, let the lasagna cool for a bit before slicing it into portions. Garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve it warm with salsa on the side. You can also offer optional toppings like diced tomatoes, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Enjoy your delicious Mexican lasagna!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just ensure that the meat is fully cooked before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What If I Don’t Have Corn Tortillas?
No worries! If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead, although the texture will be slightly different. Just make sure to adjust the layer thickness as needed to keep it from becoming too soggy.
Can I Make This Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. To bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Mexican lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
