Introduction
Mexican Taco Lasagna is a delicious fusion of two beloved dishes: lasagna and tacos. This hearty and flavorful meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying a family dinner.
Packed with seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, salsa, and melted cheese, this dish combines all the classic flavors of tacos layered with corn tortillas for a fun and satisfying twist on lasagna.
Ingredients
-1 pound ground beef
-1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning mix
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) corn kernels, drained
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup salsa
12 corn tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, etc.
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Once the beef is cooked through, add the chopped onion and garlic.
Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, followed by the black beans, corn.
diced tomatoes, and salsa. Mix everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
While the beef mixture simmers, prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Once the beef mixture is ready, begin layering the lasagna. Start with a thin layer of the beef mixture at the bottom of the baking dish.
then place 3 corn tortillas over it. Tear the tortillas if needed to cover the entire surface.
Continue layering by adding another layer of the beef mixture, followed by more tortillas, until you have used up all the ingredients.
The final layer should be the beef mixture, topped with the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the lasagna for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes.
remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and turn golden brown.
Once done, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to cut and serve.
Add your desired optional toppings such as jalapeños, cilantro, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.
How to Make
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet. As the beef cooks, it will release some fat, which you can drain off if necessary.
Adding the onion and garlic brings out a rich aroma and depth of flavor to the beef. Once they are softened.
stir in the taco seasoning. This seasoning is the key to getting that classic taco flavor.
The addition of black beans and corn not only enhances the texture of the dish but also provides extra nutrients and fiber.
Mixing in the diced tomatoes and salsa adds a burst of flavor and moisture, making the lasagna rich and savory.
For the tortillas, you don’t need to fry them; just layer them as they are, as they will soften and cook through in the oven, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
The cheese is the crowning touch, creating a golden, bubbly topping that pulls everything together.
When assembling the lasagna, it’s helpful to break the tortillas to fit the shape of your baking dish. Don’t worry about perfection; the layers will still come together beautifully.
The layers of beef, beans, corn, and cheese will cook evenly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Remember to bake the lasagna covered at first to ensure that it cooks evenly without drying out. Once the foil is removed.
the cheese will melt into a gooey, irresistible layer. Letting the lasagna sit for a few minutes before slicing will make it easier to serve and enjoy.
Optional toppings like fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream add a cool contrast to the rich.
cheesy lasagna and enhance the taco experience. Feel free to adjust the toppings to suit your preferences.
Tips
To make your Taco Lasagna spicier, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the beef mixture.
You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top for an extra kick. If you’re looking for a milder version, simply skip the spicy ingredients and use a mild salsa.
For a more authentic Mexican flavor, try using freshly made tortillas or opting for a different cheese blend such as cotija or queso fresco.
These cheeses will provide a more traditional flavor, though the shredded Mexican blend is still delicious.
If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can substitute flour tortillas. Just be aware that flour tortillas will be softer and might not hold up as well as corn tortillas in terms of structure.
If using flour, it’s a good idea to slightly crisp them in a skillet before layering.
Feel free to make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for more beans or vegetables.
Roasted sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers would be great additions. You can also use plant-based protein or crumbled tofu for a meatless version.
To make your Taco Lasagna ahead of time, assemble it fully and cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to cook, bake as directed, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.
For a crispy top layer, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
You can also broil the lasagna for a minute or two at the end to give it a nice golden crust.
If you’re in a rush, you can prepare the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two. This will save you time when you’re ready to assemble and bake the lasagna.
Conclusion
Mexican Taco Lasagna is a fun and flavorful dish that combines the best of both Mexican and Italian cuisines.
It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, and its customizable nature ensures there’s something for everyone.
Whether you like it mild or extra spicy, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
By following the simple steps and using fresh, delicious ingredients, you can enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal that will please all taste buds. Don’t forget to experiment with different toppings and sides to make it your own!