If you're searching for a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that satisfies comfort food cravings with a spicy, south-of-the-border twist, look no further than Mexican Lasagna. This delicious fusion dish layers bold Mexican ingredients like seasoned ground beef, tortillas, beans, salsa, and cheese in a format reminiscent of traditional Italian lasagna. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
What Is Mexican Lasagna?
Unlike the classic version that uses pasta sheets and marinara sauce, Mexican Lasagna swaps in corn or flour tortillas in place of noodles and features a filling of seasoned taco meat, refried or black beans, salsa, and Mexican cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend. It often incorporates vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or jalapeños for added texture and spice.
Each layer is a burst of flavor: meaty, cheesy, and saucy—giving you all the best parts of a taco, enchilada, and lasagna in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile. Want to make it vegetarian or swap beef for chicken? Easy. Prefer flour over corn tortillas? Go for it. It’s a forgiving recipe that lets you tailor it to your tastes.
Ingredients
Here’s a classic Mexican Lasagna recipe that serves 6 to 8 people:
For the filling:
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (1 oz) packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco spice blend)
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
1 cup salsa (your preferred heat level)
For the layering:
8–10 small corn or flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, etc.)
1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (optional for extra creaminess)
Toppings (optional):
Chopped fresh cilantro
Sliced green onions
Jalapeño slices
Diced avocado or guacamole
Additional salsa or hot sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and most of the moisture to reduce.
- Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Assemble the Layers
Begin layering:
Spread a small amount of meat mixture on the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.
Add a layer of tortillas (cut them if needed to cover the bottom).
Spread a third of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
Add a layer of sour cream (optional), followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Repeat layers two more times: tortillas → meat → (optional sour cream) → cheese.
Top with a final layer of cheese for that beautiful golden crust.
- Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up and makes serving easier.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about Mexican Lasagna is how easily it can be tailored to your needs or pantry ingredients. Here are a few fun ideas:
Vegetarian Version:
Skip the meat and double the beans (black, pinto, or refried).
Add sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a hearty veggie layer.
Chicken or Turkey Option:
Use shredded rotisserie chicken or ground turkey instead of beef.
Add a smoky chipotle salsa for extra depth.
Low-Carb or Gluten-Free:
Use low-carb tortillas or layer with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant for a grain-free option.
Make sure your taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free.
Spicy Kick:
Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or spicy pepper jack cheese between the layers.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes or a spicy verde salsa for more heat.
Serving Suggestions
Mexican Lasagna is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple side dishes or drinks. Here are some great options:
Mexican Rice or Cilantro Lime Rice
Refried Beans or Charro Beans
Fresh Garden Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Tortilla Chips and Guacamole
A refreshing Agua Fresca or Margarita
Want to make it extra fun? Serve slices of Mexican Lasagna buffet-style with a topping bar so guests can garnish their pieces with sour cream, guac, jalapeños, and more.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Tips
Mexican Lasagna is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before popping it in the oven.
To freeze:
Assemble the lasagna but do not bake.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
To bake from frozen, remove plastic wrap, cover with foil, and bake at 375°F for 1 hour, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Leftovers keep well and are delicious the next day—just reheat in the microwave or oven.
Why You'll Love Mexican Lasagna
This recipe checks all the boxes:
Hearty & filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and cheesy goodness
Flavor-packed – Bold spices and rich layers satisfy every craving
Crowd-friendly – Easily serves a hungry group
Customizable – Meat, vegetarian, gluten-free, spicy—you decide
Prep-ahead option – Ideal for meal planning or freezer meals
It’s the kind of recipe that turns weeknight dinners into something exciting and flavorful, but it’s also simple enough that anyone can make it—even beginners. Plus, it’s guaranteed to get rave reviews at potlucks or parties.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're in the mood for something new, need to use up some pantry staples, or want a flavorful, comforting meal that satisfies a crowd, Mexican Lasagna delivers on all fronts. With its bold spices, hearty layers, and gooey cheese, it’s a delicious fusion that proves lasagna doesn’t have to be Italian to be amazing