Description
This Easy Mexican Lasagna combines the bold flavors of taco-seasoned ground beef, fresh salsa, and melted sharp cheddar cheese layered between soft tortillas for a comforting and flavorful casserole. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings the zest of Mexican cuisine into a family-friendly baked dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1.5 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- ¼ cup taco sauce or enchilada sauce
- 2 cups salsa
- 15 ounce canned corn, drained
- ⅓ cup water
- 1.5 cups cooked rice
Assembly
- 3-4 burrito size tortillas (or 5-6 large tortillas)
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Sour cream
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×13 inch casserole dish with non-stick spray to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook the Meat Mixture: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped onion. Cook until the meat is fully cooked through and onions are tender, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Drain Excess Fat: Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the meat mixture to prevent a greasy casserole.
- Add Seasonings and Sauce: Stir in the packet of taco seasoning, 2 cups of salsa, ⅓ cup water, and ¼ cup taco or enchilada sauce. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Add Corn and Rice: Incorporate the drained canned corn and 1.5 cups of cooked rice into the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 5-6 minutes so the flavors meld nicely, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Spread half of the meat mixture evenly on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Layer tortillas over the meat mixture, then sprinkle half of the sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top. Add the remaining meat mixture on top of the cheese layer, then add another layer of tortillas, and finish by topping with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish each serving with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and optionally extra taco or enchilada sauce for added flavor.
Notes
- Use ground turkey as a leaner alternative to ground beef for a lower-fat option.
- If you prefer a spicier lasagna, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy salsa.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after cooking the meat to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Leftover lasagna can be refrigerated and reheated for quick lunches or dinners.
- For gluten-free option, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas if suitable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
