Easy Cheesy Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter option. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, try using lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Meat or TVP for protein.

Black Beans: If you’re not a fan of black beans, you can use pinto beans or kidney beans instead. Chickpeas can also work if you want something different!

Tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a nice traditional flavor, but flour tortillas are great for a softer texture. If you’re gluten-free, look for corn tortillas that are labeled as gluten-free.

Cheese: The Mexican blend cheese provides the best flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try almond or coconut-based cheese shreds. You can add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor!

How Can You Make Layers Without It Falling Apart?

Building stable layers is important for a great lasagna! Here are some tips to keep that cheesy goodness together:

• Use thicker layers of filling between the tortillas to provide stability.
• Don’t overload each layer with too much filling; keep it balanced.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

With these tips, your Mexican lasagna will stay together beautifully, making every bite delicious!

Easy Cheesy Mexican Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (e.g., Rotel), drained
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions (optional)
• 1 medium tomato, diced (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Cheesy Mexican Lasagna takes about 15 minutes to prep and then 30 minutes to bake. You’ll have it ready to serve in about 45 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your lasagna is ready to go in!

2. Cook the Meat and Veggies:

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and the onions are soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat.

3. Add Flavorful Ingredients:

Next, add the minced garlic, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything and let it cook for another 3-5 minutes, until everything is heated through and flavorful. Remove from heat.

4. Prepare the Baking Dish:

Lightly spray or grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will help your delicious lasagna come out easily when it’s done!

5. Build the Layers:

Start layering your lasagna by placing 3-4 tortillas on the bottom of the baking dish. Tear them as needed to fit properly. Spread about one-third of the meat and bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle about one-third of the shredded cheese on top.

6. Repeat the Layers:

Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese, making sure the final layer ends with a generous sprinkle of cheese on top!

7. Bake to Perfection:

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. You want the cheese to be melted and bubbly!

8. Let It Rest:

Once you take it out of the oven, let your lasagna sit for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps everything set up nicely.

9. Garnish and Serve:

Garnish your lasagna with diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro, if you like. Serve warm with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa on the side for extra flavor!

Enjoy your comforting, cheesy Mexican lasagna filled with layers of tortillas, ground beef, beans, and melted cheese! It’s sure to be a hit at your table. 🍽️

FAQ for Easy Cheesy Mexican Lasagna

Can I Use Different Protein in This Recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative like lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning slightly if using a milder protein.

How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

To make this lasagna vegetarian, simply omit the ground meat and use extra beans (like pinto or black beans) for protein. You can also add more vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn, to enhance flavor and texture!

Can I Prepare This Lasagna Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, adjust the cooking time to ensure it warms through completely.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover Mexican lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.