Mexican Taco Lasagna is a bold and flavorful fusion dish that layers the best of both worlds—classic taco ingredients and lasagna-style assembly. Instead of pasta, soft tortillas are layered with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and a rich tomato-based sauce spiced with taco seasoning. Each layer is topped with a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for extra creaminess. Finished with vibrant toppings like fresh tomatoes, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños, this hearty dish is perfect for a crowd-pleasing dinner that combines the savory comfort of lasagna with the zesty flavors of Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Filling:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 can (15 oz) corn kernels (drained)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
- 1 cup salsa or taco sauce
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Layers:
- 8-10 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream (optional, for a creamy layer)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sliced jalapeños, for heat (optional)
- Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
- Salsa and sour cream (for serving)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Filling:
- Cook the meat: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: Add diced onions, bell peppers, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir and cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Mix in beans, corn, and tomatoes: Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Add the salsa or taco sauce and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Assemble the Taco Lasagna:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Layer tortillas and filling: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the meat mixture on the bottom. Lay two tortillas over the mixture, slightly overlapping. Top with a layer of the meat mixture, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layers (tortillas, meat, cheese) until the dish is full, ending with a final layer of cheese on top.
- Optional: Add a layer of sour cream between some of the layers for extra creaminess.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Serve:
- Garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or guacamole.
- Serve: Slice the taco lasagna and serve with extra salsa, sour cream, or any of your favorite taco toppings.
Enjoy the fusion of flavors in this cheesy, comforting Mexican Taco Lasagna, perfect for a hearty family dinner or gathering!