The moment you set your eyes on a slice of Mexican lasagna, you know you’re in for a fiesta of flavors. Layers of rich, savory beef mingled with zesty tortillas, gooey cheese, and a hint of spice create an aromatic explosion that dances in the air. Picture it bubbling away in the oven, the golden cheese oozing over the edges like it’s trying to escape. Just thinking about it makes my taste buds do the cha-cha!

This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience filled with love and laughter. I remember the first time I made Mexican lasagna for my friends’ taco night. As soon as they took that first bite, there was silence—followed by an enthusiastic chorus of “Oh my gosh!” and “This is incredible!” Now, every taco night feels incomplete without it. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this layered delight promises to elevate any occasion into a full-blown celebration.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican lasagna is a one-pan wonder that combines easy prep with explosive flavors
- Its vibrant layers create an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering
- Customizable to suit any dietary preference, you can easily swap proteins or veggies
- Plus, it reheats beautifully for delicious leftovers!
I still chuckle when I think back to that night—my friends practically attacked the dish like it was the last food on Earth!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: About 1 pound is ideal, but feel free to mix in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas work well; choose based on your personal preference for texture.
Shredded Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds creamy goodness; don’t skimp on this!
Salsa: Use your favorite brand or homemade salsa for a fresh flavor boost.
Black Beans: Canned beans save time; rinse them well to reduce sodium content.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatics add depth; sauté until fragrant and slightly golden.
Spices (Cumin & Chili Powder): Essential for that authentic Mexican flavor; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring an easy release later.
Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with chopped onions and minced garlic until everything is cooked through and fragrant.
Add Flavorful Spices: Sprinkle cumin and chili powder over the meat mixture while stirring until well combined; let those spices dance together for about 2 minutes.
Layer Your Ingredients: Start layering by spreading some salsa at the bottom of your baking dish followed by tortillas, then half of your beef mixture, and top with cheese.
Create More Layers: Repeat this layering process until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top to ensure a gooey finish.
Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Serve hot with fresh cilantro or avocado slices as garnish—because who doesn’t want their food dressed up? Enjoy this delightful twist on lasagna that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- This Mexican lasagna combines the best of both worlds</strong>: hearty flavors and comfort food
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize
- The layers of cheese, beans, and spices create a savory aroma that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve optimal results, brown the meat first, then layer your ingredients while the sauce simmers. This ensures all flavors meld perfectly and keeps your cooking efficient.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for turkey or vegetarian options. Add extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for more nutrients and color in your Mexican lasagna.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that delightful texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To ensure your Mexican lasagna is a hit, remember to use high-quality cheese for a rich flavor
- Let it rest before cutting; this helps with layering
- Lastly, serve with fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness!
The first time I made this Mexican lasagna, my family devoured it so fast that I barely got a bite! Their laughter and satisfied smiles were worth every layer I crafted.
FAQ
Can I make Mexican lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it beforehand and bake when ready to serve.
What can I use instead of tortillas?
Try using thinly sliced zucchini or bell peppers as low-carb alternatives.
How do I prevent soggy layers?
Ensure your ingredients are well-drained and consider baking uncovered for part of the cooking time.

Mexican Lasagna
Mexican lasagna is a vibrant twist on the classic Italian dish, bursting with layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty tortillas, and gooey cheese. This one-pan wonder not only delivers explosive flavors but also serves as an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. Perfect for family dinners or festive taco nights, this dish is customizable to suit any dietary preference and reheats beautifully for delightful leftovers.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef with onion and garlic until cooked through.
- Add cumin and chili powder; stir for 2 minutes.
- Layer ingredients in the baking dish: spread salsa, add tortillas, half the beef mixture, and top with cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg