Spice Up Your Dinner Routine with Mexican Taco Lasagna

Looking for a delicious twist on traditional lasagna? Look no further than Mexican Taco Lasagna! This flavorful dish combines all the savory goodness of tacos with the comforting layers of lasagna, resulting in a meal that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and soft tortillas, this Mexican-inspired lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion. Join us as we dive into the recipe and explore variations, keto-friendly options, and more!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 can Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with chiles, drained
• 1 can Nacho Cheese Soup
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 cup grated cheddar
• 12 8-inch soft tortillas
• Guacamole, cilantro, sour cream for topping, as desired

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
   • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Add Seasoning and Tomatoes:
   • Stir in the taco seasoning and water, then add the drained Ro*Tel diced tomatoes with chiles. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a separate saucepan, combine the Nacho Cheese Soup and sour cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through and well combined.
5. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread a thin layer of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
   • Place 4 tortillas on top of the cheese sauce, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the dish.
   • Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with half of the grated cheddar cheese.
   • Repeat the layers: tortillas, remaining ground beef mixture, and grated cheddar cheese.
   • Top with the remaining tortillas and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake and Serve:
   • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
   • Allow the Mexican Taco Lasagna to cool slightly before serving.
   • Garnish with guacamole, cilantro, and sour cream, if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Add Beans: For added protein and fiber, add a can of black beans or kidney beans to the ground beef mixture.
• Spice It Up: Kick up the heat by adding sliced jalapenos or crushed red pepper flakes to the ground beef mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with a meatless alternative such as crumbled tofu or plant-based ground “beef” for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a lighter option. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the Mexican Taco Lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q: How should I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover Mexican Taco Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Q: Can I freeze this dish? A: Yes, you can freeze Mexican Taco Lasagna for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of Mexican Taco Lasagna, use low-carb tortillas or lettuce leaves in place of flour tortillas. Replace the Nacho Cheese Soup with a keto-friendly cheese sauce made from cream cheese, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Low-Carb Version: Follow the same substitutions as the keto version, and be mindful of the carb content in the ingredients used. You can also reduce the amount of tortillas used or omit them altogether for a lower-carb option.

In conclusion, Mexican Taco Lasagna is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the best flavors of tacos and lasagna in one easy-to-make meal. With its layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and soft tortillas, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a comforting dinner, Mexican Taco Lasagna is sure to please. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex goodness with this flavorful and hearty dish!