This Mexican Lasagna with Beef is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that layers tortillas, seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and plenty of cheese. It’s an easy and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or serving at gatherings. The combination of classic Mexican ingredients creates a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (such as Rotel), drained
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1 cup salsa
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Diced tomatoes, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the taco seasoning mix and water. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, frozen corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 3: Assemble the Mexican Lasagna
- Spread a thin layer of salsa at the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place two tortillas over the salsa, overlapping if necessary to cover the bottom.
- Spread one-third of the beef mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the beef mixture.
- Repeat the layers (tortillas, beef mixture, cheese) two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
- Slice and serve warm.
Cooking Tips & Notes
- Tortilla Choice: You can use either flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference. Corn tortillas will give a more authentic Mexican flavor, while flour tortillas will be softer.
- Cheese Blend: A Mexican cheese blend works best, but you can also use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of your favorites.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by choosing a mild, medium, or hot salsa and diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Variations
- Chicken Mexican Lasagna: Substitute the ground beef with cooked shredded chicken for a different protein option.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and double the amount of black beans and corn. You can also add sautéed bell peppers and onions for extra flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some extra heat.
- Breakfast Lasagna: Use scrambled eggs, cooked breakfast sausage, and cheese to create a breakfast version of this dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make This Mexican Lasagna Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when ready, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
3. Can I Freeze Mexican Lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked or baked lasagna. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.
4. What Can I Serve with Mexican Lasagna?
This lasagna pairs well with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, or refried beans. You can also serve it with chips and guacamole for a complete meal.
Mexican Lasagna with Beef is a flavorful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The layers of tortillas, seasoned beef, beans, corn, and cheese make this a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a party, this Mexican lasagna is sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious blend of Mexican flavors in every bite!