This Mexican Lasagna Beef is a fun twist on classic lasagna! It’s packed with layers of seasoned beef, gooey cheese, and tasty tortillas, making it a hearty meal for everyone.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a cheesy dish that brings the best of Mexican flavors? I usually serve it with a side of salad, and it’s always a hit at dinner. You’ll want seconds for sure!
I enjoy how easy this recipe is to bring together. Just layer, bake, and you’ve got a bubbling dish that’s perfect for family nights or casual gatherings!
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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually use lean ground beef, around 80/20 for good flavor without too much grease. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work great too!
Black Beans: These add great texture and protein. If you’re not a fan, you could swap in pinto beans or even lentils for a different flavor.
Cheese: Cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Corn: Canned corn is convenient! If you prefer fresh, use cooked sweet corn instead. Frozen corn works well too—just add it directly to the mixture.
Sour Cream: For a tangy touch, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute. It’s creamy and gives a similar texture with added protein.
How Do I Layer the Lasagna Properly?
Layering can make or break your lasagna! Start with a thin layer of the beef mixture to prevent sticking. Be sure to overlap the corn tortillas for even coverage.
- After the first layer of beef, lay 3-4 tortillas flat.
- Add half of the sour cream, then sprinkle half of each cheese on top.
- Repeat this process until you’ve used up all ingredients, finishing with a layer of tortillas and cheese on top.
This creates a beautiful structure that holds together when it bakes, making serving it easier!
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How to Make Mexican Lasagna Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
For the Layers:
- 9-12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
For Garnishing:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 tomato, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Mexican Lasagna Beef recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40-50 minutes to cook. So, you’ll spend about 55-65 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Skillet:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. This is where we’ll cook the beef and veggies.
2. Cooking the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook them together until the beef is browned and the onion turns soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s any excess grease, make sure to drain it out to keep your dish nice and healthy!
3. Adding Flavor:
Now, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. You should start to smell that lovely garlic aroma. Then, stir in the black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and the taco seasoning. Let everything cook together for about 5 minutes until it’s heated through.
4. Assembling the Lasagna:
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of your beef mixture on the bottom. Now it’s time to layer! Place 3-4 corn tortillas over the beef mixture. On top of that, add half of the sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the Monterey Jack cheese.
5. Building More Layers:
Repeat the layering process again: add another layer of beef mixture, tortillas, the remaining sour cream, and the remaining cheese. For the final touch, put some tortillas on the top and any leftover beef mixture. Top it off with the remaining cheese so it melts beautifully!
6. Baking to Perfection:
Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil (this helps it cook evenly) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, then carefully take off the foil and bake for an extra 10-15 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden on top!
7. Serving Your Delicious Dish:
When it’s ready, let your lasagna sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This will help it hold its shape when you cut into it. Finally, garnish with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro if you like. Enjoy your homemade Mexican Lasagna Beef!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef to make a lighter version of this dish. Just be sure to season it well, as turkey can be more bland. Follow the same cooking instructions for browning the turkey with the onions!
What Can I Substitute for Tortillas?
If you don’t have corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas instead. Alternatively, for a low-carb option, you can layer thin slices of zucchini or eggplant in place of the tortillas. Just be sure to salt and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before layering!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time! Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake it again in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just cover it with foil to prevent drying out!
