If you’re craving a dish that combines the comforting layers of traditional lasagna with the bold, lively flavors of your favorite Mexican ingredients, you’re absolutely going to love this Mexican Lasagna Recipe. It’s a vibrant, hearty casserole that beautifully layers spiced ground beef, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas, all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers when you want something exciting, filling, and irresistibly delicious on the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this Mexican Lasagna Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a key role—from the savory spiced beef to the creamy cheese layers and the soft, staple tortillas that hold it all together. These simple but essential ingredients bring texture, flavor, and a feast for the eyes to every bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose beef for rich flavor or ground turkey for a lighter, leaner option.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds aromatic sweetness and depth to the meat layer.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Or use a homemade blend to control the spice level perfectly.
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce: Provides a smooth, tangy base that melds all the flavors.
- 1 cup salsa: Pick your heat level to customize the spice and moisture.
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional): For a gentle kick and vibrant color.
- 2 cups ricotta cheese: For creamy, luscious texture—cottage cheese works well if you prefer lighter.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture for a perfect layering consistency.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Infuses a warm, earthy note that’s signature to Mexican cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory punch without overpowering.
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese: Mixed into the ricotta for rich, melty goodness.
- 6 large flour tortillas: Or corn tortillas if you need a gluten-free alternative.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: For a golden, bubbly topping that pulls everything together.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional): Adds fresh herbal brightness as a garnish.
- Sour cream and salsa (optional): Perfect accompaniments to brighten and balance each serving.
How to Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Meat Layer
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready once your layers are assembled. Brown the ground beef with the chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat. Breaking the meat apart ensures even cooking and every bite is perfectly seasoned. Once browned, drain the excess fat to keep it from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Simmer the Meat Mixture
Add the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salsa, and diced green chilies to the skillet with your meat. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. This step lets all the vibrant flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and flavorful base for your layers.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer
While the meat simmers, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, ground cumin, garlic powder, and one cup of the shredded Mexican cheese in a medium bowl. This creamy mixture is essential for balancing the zesty meat with smooth, savory comfort in every layer.
Step 4: Assemble Your Layers
Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Then cover with a layer of tortillas—feel free to cut or overlap them slightly so the dish is fully covered. Next, spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tortillas. Repeat these layers—meat, tortillas, cheese—until all your ingredients are used up, finishing with a final layer of meat.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining two cups of shredded Mexican cheese generously over the top layer. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll want to watch for the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden crust that signals this lasagna is ready to enjoy.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Give your creation at least 5 minutes to rest after baking; this allows the layers to set perfectly, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart. Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro on top for a refreshing pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your Mexican Lasagna Recipe by topping slices with chopped fresh cilantro for herbal notes that balance richness. A dollop of sour cream adds cool creaminess, while extra salsa on the side brings a lively, tangy contrast that your taste buds will adore.
Side Dishes
Serve your Mexican lasagna with simple sides like a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette or Mexican street corn salad to complement the warm, cheesy layers. Refried beans or a bowl of guacamole are also stellar companions to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, prepare individual portions in small ramekins or use colorful ceramic dishes to serve family-style. You could also sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips or sliced jalapeños for textured contrast and a spicy kick. Whatever you choose, presentation can turn this cozy dish into a festive centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your Mexican Lasagna Recipe tightly with foil or store it in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or dinners when you want a quick reheat of something delicious.
Freezing
This dish freezes very well. To freeze, assemble in a freezer-safe container but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and the cheese feels melty again. You can also microwave individual portions but the oven method keeps the texture perfect and the edges crisp.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas make a great gluten-free option. Just be sure to soften them slightly by warming before layering, so they don’t crack when baked.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Mexican Lasagna Recipe?
Yes! Swap out the ground beef for sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms with beans or lentils for protein. You can flavor the mixture just like the meat layer for that irresistible Mexican flair.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it, and keep it refrigerated. When ready to serve, just bake as instructed—adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.
What cheeses work best in this recipe?
The best are Mexican cheese blends containing cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso quesadilla. These cheeses melt well and give that authentic flavor that balances smoky, sharp, and creamy all at once.
How spicy is this Mexican Lasagna Recipe?
The heat depends on the salsa and whether you use green chilies. You can easily control the spice level—from mild to fiery—by selecting milder salsa or skipping the chilies if you prefer less heat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mexican Lasagna Recipe enough if you want a flavorful, comforting meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Its layers of savory meat, creamy cheese, and soft tortillas come together to create something truly special. Go ahead and try it—you’ll find it’s a new favorite in your recipe rotation, guaranteed to bring smiles around your dinner table.
Print
Mexican Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Mexican Lasagna recipe is a delicious fusion dish combining traditional lasagna layering with bold Mexican flavors. Featuring seasoned ground beef, a creamy ricotta cheese mixture, and a blend of Mexican cheeses layered between soft flour tortillas, it’s a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners. Baked to bubbly perfection and garnished with fresh cilantro, this dish pairs wonderfully with sour cream and salsa.
Ingredients
Meat Layer
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa (choose your heat level)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
Assembly and Topping
- 6 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once browned.
- Simmer Meat Mixture: Add taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salsa, and diced green chilies to the meat. Stir and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, blend ricotta cheese, egg, ground cumin, garlic powder, and 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese until smooth and combined.
- Layer the Lasagna – Step 1: Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer the Lasagna – Step 2: Place a layer of tortillas over the meat, cutting or overlapping as needed to cover fully.
- Layer the Lasagna – Step 3: Spread a layer of the cheese mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering meat, tortillas, and cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a meat layer on top.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the dish is heated through.
- Rest the Lasagna: Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow it to set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with sour cream and extra salsa on the side if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef to reduce fat content.
- Using corn tortillas makes this dish gluten-free.
- The diced green chilies are optional but add a nice mild heat and flavor.
- For a lighter cheese option, substitute ricotta with cottage cheese.
- Adjust the salsa heat level based on your spice preference.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it hold together better when sliced.
