Mexican Lasagna
Layers of seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese stacked between corn tortillas and baked in a savory enchilada sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing casserole that brings all the best taco flavors into one easy, comforting dish.
For 6 servings
10 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
- 2
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the vegetable oil
- a.Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet
- a.Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Carefully drain off any excess grease.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Add the rinsed black beans, drained corn, and 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce. Mix well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- 5
Begin assembling the lasagna
- a.Spread 1/2 cup of enchilada sauce evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange 4 tortillas in a single layer, overlapping slightly to cover the sauce.
- 6
Spread half of the beef mixture over the tortillas
- a.Drizzle with 1 cup of enchilada sauce and sprinkle with about 1/3 of the shredded cheese (approx. 2/3 cup).
- 7
Step 7
- a.Repeat the layers: add another layer of 4 tortillas, the remaining beef mixture, 1 cup of enchilada sauce, and another 1/3 of the cheese.
- 8
Create the final layer by topping with the last 4 tortillas
- a.Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring it's covered, and sprinkle with the last of the cheese.
- 9
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes
- a.Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This is crucial for allowing the layers to set. Garnish with sour cream and fresh cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1To prevent soggy tortillas, lightly fry them in a bit of oil for 15-20 seconds per side before layering. This creates a slight barrier against the sauce.
- 2Don't skip the resting period after baking. It allows the casserole to set, ensuring clean slices that hold their shape.
- 3For a creamier texture, mix 1/2 cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the beef filling before layering.
- 4This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or chorizo for a different flavor profile.
VegetarianVegetarian
Omit the meat and double the black beans, or add a can of pinto beans. You can also add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms to the filling.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add one or two finely chopped jalapeños or a can of diced green chiles to the beef mixture. You can also use a 'hot' variety of enchilada sauce.
Sauce ChangeSauce Change
Use green enchilada sauce (salsa verde) instead of red for a tangier, brighter flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
The combination of ground beef and black beans provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
High in Dietary Fiber
With black beans and corn as key ingredients, this dish is rich in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and supports overall gut health.
Rich in Iron and B Vitamins
Ground beef is a great source of heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body and crucial for preventing anemia. It also provides essential B vitamins, like B12, which support energy production and nerve function.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Mexican Lasagna contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the leanness of the beef and the specific brands of sauce and cheese used.