When you’re craving the bold flavors of tacos but want to try something different, Taco Lasagna is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. Combining layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, salsa, and cheese, this easy-to-make recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making Taco Lasagna, along with cooking tips, variations, keto and low-carb versions, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium-sized red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup premium taco seasoning
- 12 six-inch flour tortillas
- 24 oz quality salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1 can green chiles (optional)
- 1 can black beans, drained
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Chop the Onion and Mince the Garlic: Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped red onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Ground Beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water (adjust as needed). Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the water reduces and the beef is well-coated with the seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Lasagna
- Layer the Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom. Place four tortillas on top, overlapping if necessary. Spread a third of the cooked beef mixture over the tortillas, followed by a third of the black beans, green chiles (if using), a third of the remaining salsa, and a third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: tortillas, beef mixture, black beans, green chiles, salsa, and cheese. Finish with a layer of cheese on top.
- Add Sour Cream: Dollop sour cream evenly over the top layer of cheese.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Uncover and Bake: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into portions.
Cooking Notes
- Tortillas: You can use either flour or corn tortillas for this recipe. Flour tortillas will give a softer texture, while corn tortillas will add a bit more structure.
- Cheese: For the best flavor, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby. Pre-shredded Mexican cheese blends are convenient and work well in this recipe.
- Salsa: Use your favorite salsa, whether it’s mild, medium, or hot, depending on your spice preference. You can also use a mix of red and green salsa for added color and flavor.
- Ground Beef: If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef.
Variations
1. Vegetarian Taco Lasagna
- Ingredients: Replace the ground beef with an additional can of black beans and 1 cup of corn kernels.
- Instructions: Follow the original recipe, omitting the step with the ground beef and layering the beans and corn instead.
2. Chicken Taco Lasagna
- Ingredients: Substitute the ground beef with 1 lb of cooked, shredded chicken.
- Instructions: Mix the shredded chicken with the taco seasoning and water, and follow the original recipe.
3. Spicy Taco Lasagna
- Ingredients: Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture and use a hot salsa.
- Instructions: Follow the original recipe, incorporating the jalapeños into the beef mixture.
Keto and Low-Carb Version
Keto Taco Lasagna
- Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium-sized red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup premium taco seasoning
- 4 large low-carb tortillas or 8 small ones
- 24 oz salsa (no added sugar)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3 cups shredded Mexican Cheese Blend
- ½ cup water (adjust as needed)
- 1 can green chiles (optional)
- 1 can black beans, drained (optional for very low-carb, omit if strict keto)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Beef: Follow the same steps as the original recipe to cook and season the ground beef.
- Assemble the Lasagna: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, follow the same layering process as the original recipe, using low-carb tortillas.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Taco Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Taco Lasagna a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. Can I freeze Taco Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the lasagna before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
3. What can I serve with Taco Lasagna?
Taco Lasagna pairs well with a simple green salad, guacamole, sour cream, and a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover the entire dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
5. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix of Italian cheeses would all work well in this recipe.
6. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. They will add a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.
7. Can I add more vegetables to the lasagna?
Definitely! You can add bell peppers, corn, or even spinach to the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
8. How can I make the lasagna spicier?
To add more heat, include chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers in the beef mixture, use a hot salsa, and sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top.
Easy Taco Lasagna is a versatile and delicious dish that combines the best elements of tacos and lasagna into one flavorful meal. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With its bold flavors and simple preparation, Taco Lasagna is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to impress with minimal effort. Enjoy this hearty and satisfying meal, and don’t forget to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!