When you hear the words “Mexican Lasagna,” do you picture layers of cheesy goodness, spicy salsa, and tender tortillas? This dish is a fiesta on a plate, blending the best of both Italian and Mexican cuisines into one glorious creation. Mexican Zucchini Boats recipe Imagine pulling a fork through that melty cheese and perfectly spiced ground beef, with each bite transporting you to a sun-soaked patio, surrounded by laughter and good friends. Ground Turkey and Zucchini Skillet.

Now, let’s be honest. The first time I made Mexican Lasagna, I might have overdone it with the cheese. My friends dubbed it “Lasagna à la Cheese Monster.” But hey, who can resist gooey cheese? It became a hit at every gathering—perfect for Taco Tuesdays or cozy movie nights. Cheesy Taco Rice Skillet Trust me; this dish packs enough flavor to make your taste buds do the salsa!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Mexican Lasagna combines ease of preparation with bold flavors that will impress everyone at your table
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it’s perfect for any occasion!
- You can easily customize it based on personal preferences or what’s in your pantry
- Plus, leftovers taste even better the next day!
I still chuckle when I think about my friend Maria’s face after her first bite; she exclaimed, “This is a game changer!”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ground Beef: Aim for lean ground beef to keep the lasagna from becoming greasy while still delivering rich flavor.
- Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas for their authenticity and texture but feel free to use flour if you like them better.
- Refried Beans: Canned refried beans save time—look for low-fat options to lighten up this dish.
- Salsa: Choose your favorite store-bought salsa or make your own for an extra flavor punch.
- Shredded Cheese: Use a mix of Mexican blend cheese for optimum melty goodness; don’t skimp here!
- Chopped Onions: Fresh onions add a sweet crunch; sauté them until translucent for maximum flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic elevates the taste; crush or mince them right before using for the best aroma.
- Spices: Chili powder and cumin bring warmth; adjust according to your spice tolerance!
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps sauté veggies without sticking; use extra virgin for more flavor.
- Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro adds brightness; sprinkle on top before serving for color and freshness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. Creamy Avocado Chickpea Dip.
Let’s Make it Together
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil along with chopped onions and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and smell heavenly—about 3-5 minutes.
- Toss in the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin over it as it cooks. Stir until browned—this should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Start layering by spreading some salsa on the bottom of your baking dish. Follow that up with tortillas, then ground beef mixture, refried beans, and cheese. Repeat this process until ingredients run out—aim for about three layers.
- Cover your masterpiece with foil (to avoid too much browning), then pop it into the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to get that lovely golden crust on top.
Once baked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Add fresh cilantro on top before slicing into squares. Serve hot with extra salsa on the side!
This Mexican Lasagna will have everyone at your table coming back for seconds—or thirds! It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that’s sure to spark joy (and perhaps some dancing). Enjoy making memories around this delightful dish! For more inspiration, check out this garlic parmesan smashed potatoes recipe.
You Must Know
- Mexican lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, combining layers of tortillas, cheese, and savory fillings
- The vibrant colors and bold flavors make it visually appealing and a crowd-pleaser
- Perfect for potlucks or family dinners, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the meat with onions and peppers, then layer tortillas with sauce and cheese. This method ensures even cooking and rich flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap ground beef for chicken or turkey, or add black beans for extra protein. Customizing keeps it fresh each time. For more inspiration, check out this easy chicken fajitas recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh ingredients for a burst of flavor; stale tortillas can ruin the texture
- Layering cheese between every tortilla adds creaminess that everyone will love
- If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken as a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor
I remember the first time I made Mexican lasagna for my friends; they couldn’t stop raving about it! It quickly became my go-to dish for gatherings.
FAQ
What is Mexican lasagna?
Mexican lasagna is a layered dish featuring tortillas, seasoned meat, cheese, and salsa.
Can I make Mexican lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and bake before serving.
What toppings can I add to Mexican lasagna?
Consider adding sour cream, guacamole, or fresh cilantro as delicious toppings.

Mexican Lasagna
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- Author: Mery Mack
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Mexican Lasagna is a vibrant fusion of flavors that combines the comforting layers of traditional lasagna with bold Mexican ingredients. This easy-to-make dish features tender tortillas, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese, all topped with zesty salsa. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, each bite is a celebration that will leave everyone craving more.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
- 2 cups salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, adding chili powder and cumin while stirring for about 7-10 minutes.
- Spread a layer of salsa on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer with tortillas, ground beef mixture, refried beans, and cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used, aiming for three layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; remove foil for the last 10 minutes to achieve a golden crust. Let it rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with cilantro and serving with extra salsa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg