This Baked Mexican Taco Lasagna is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of a traditional taco with the layered goodness of a lasagna. Made with seasoned ground beef or turkey, beans, corn, salsa, cheese, and soft tortillas, this casserole-style dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a fun twist on taco night. It’s layered, cheesy, and packed with Mexican-inspired flavors that are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients for Baked Mexican Taco Lasagna
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (for a savory protein base)
- 1 packet taco seasoning (for bold flavor)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 jar (16 oz) salsa (your preferred level of spiciness)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (for a cheesy layer)
- 10 small flour tortillas (to create the layers, can also use corn tortillas)
- 1 cup sour cream (adds creaminess)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (optional, for a fresh garnish)
Instructions for Baked Mexican Taco Lasagna
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or oil.
2. Cook the Ground Meat
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning and about 1/4 cup water to the meat. Stir well to coat and cook according to the taco seasoning package instructions (usually about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground meat, black beans, corn, and salsa. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly mixed.
4. Assemble the Lasagna Layers
- In the prepared baking dish, place a single layer of flour tortillas to cover the bottom. You can tear the tortillas in half to make them fit evenly.
- Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese over the meat layer.
- Add another layer of tortillas, followed by another 1/3 of the meat mixture, and another 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Repeat this process one more time to create a total of three layers, finishing with a final layer of tortillas on top.
5. Top with Sour Cream and Cheese
- Spread the sour cream evenly over the top layer of tortillas, then sprinkle the remaining Mexican blend cheese on top.
6. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
7. Garnish and Serve
- Once the lasagna is done baking, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and chopped cilantro (optional) for a burst of freshness. Serve hot with extra sour cream or salsa on the side if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Tortilla Type: You can use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or to add more texture. If you prefer crispier tortillas, lightly toast them in a pan before assembling the lasagna.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat by choosing a mild, medium, or hot salsa and adding extra chili flakes or diced jalapeños if you prefer more spice.
- Layering Tip: Be sure to press the layers down gently with a spatula as you assemble the lasagna to help it hold together when serving.
Variations for Baked Mexican Taco Lasagna
1. Vegetarian Taco Lasagna
- For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and double the black beans or add pinto beans and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
2. Chicken Taco Lasagna
- Substitute the ground beef or turkey with shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked, seasoned chicken breasts for a delicious chicken taco lasagna twist.
3. Creamy Avocado Addition
- After baking, top the lasagna with fresh sliced avocado or guacamole for a creamy addition that pairs perfectly with the Mexican flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the taco lasagna up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered. When ready to bake, follow the instructions, adding about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
2. Can I freeze this lasagna?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna as directed, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake according to the instructions.
3. What can I serve with taco lasagna?
Serve this dish with classic Mexican sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a simple green salad. For extra toppings, try sour cream, guacamole, extra salsa, or pickled jalapeños.
A Fun, Flavorful Twist on Lasagna
This Baked Mexican Taco Lasagna combines the best of both worlds by taking classic taco flavors and layering them lasagna-style with tortillas, cheese, and a savory filling. It’s an easy, versatile recipe perfect for feeding a crowd or satisfying your family’s craving for Mexican food. Whether you stick to the traditional version or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.