Mexican Taco Lasagna

Mexican Taco Lasagna is a fun, family-friendly twist on traditional lasagna, combining the flavors of classic tacos with the comforting layers of a casserole. It’s made with layers of soft corn tortillas, seasoned ground beef, salsa, and melted cheese, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.

This easy-to-make recipe brings a fiesta to your table with its bold Mexican flavors and cheesy goodness!

Mexican Taco Lasagna

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef

1 (1 oz) package taco seasoning mix
(We recommend Old El Paso or Taco Bell’s flavorful seasoning)

1 (14 oz) can peeled and diced tomatoes with juice

10 (6-inch) soft corn tortillas

1 cup of your favorite salsa

½ cup shredded Colby cheese
(Mexican or taco-style cheese also works great)

Instructions:

Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).

In a deep cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles as it browns. Stir often to ensure even cooking. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat before continuing.

After draining, mix in the taco seasoning and diced tomatoes (with juice) into the beef, stirring well until combined.

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, lay down half of the tortillas to form the base layer.

Spoon the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas.

Place the remaining tortillas on top of the beef layer, then spread the salsa evenly across the top tortillas.

Sprinkle the shredded cheese over the salsa.

Bake in your preheated oven for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.

Once done, carefully remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, and serve. Enjoy!

Notes:

Tortilla Options: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can substitute with flour tortillas if preferred. They add a softer texture and hold up well in baking.

Cheese Choices: Colby cheese provides a mild flavor, but Mexican blend, cheddar, or pepper jack can add more spice and richness.

Salsa Variety: Choose a salsa that matches your heat preference. Mild, medium, or hot salsa can dramatically change the spice level of the dish.

Customize the Filling: Feel free to add ingredients like black beans, corn, or sautéed bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.

Make Ahead: You can assemble this dish in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or chopped cilantro on the side for added flavor and freshness.

Storage: Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas for a softer texture.

They work well in this recipe and won’t change the overall flavor much.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with black beans, pinto beans, or a meat substitute like crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.

What type of salsa should I use?

Use your favorite salsa! Choose between mild, medium, or hot, depending on your spice tolerance.

You can also try different varieties like roasted or tomatillo salsa.

Can I add other ingredients to the filling?

Yes, feel free to customize! You can add black beans, corn, bell peppers, jalapeños, or even diced onions to the ground beef mixture for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

Can I freeze Mexican Taco Lasagna?

Yes, this dish freezes well.

Assemble the lasagna, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What can I serve with this dish?

Serve with sides like guacamole, sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, or a side of Mexican rice or refried beans to complete the meal.

How can I reduce the sodium content?

Opt for a low-sodium taco seasoning and use no-salt-added diced tomatoes or salsa.

You can also control the salt level by making your own taco seasoning.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can swap Colby cheese for cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even pepper jack for a bit of extra spice.

Choose a cheese that melts well for the best results.