Taco Lasagna
Taco Lasagna is a creative twist on traditional lasagna that layers taco-seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, zesty salsa, and melty cheese between soft tortillas. This Tex-Mex casserole is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you crave bold, comforting flavors in one easy dish. The recipe is versatile—feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients to suit your dietary needs.
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish – For assembling and baking the lasagna.
- Large skillet – To brown the meat and cook the vegetables.
- Cutting board & knife – For chopping onions and any additional veggies.
- Mixing bowl – For combining ingredients (if needed).
- Measuring cups & spoons – To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Spatula – For stirring and layering.
- Aluminum foil – Optional, for covering the dish during part of the baking process.
- Oven – Preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- Or substitute with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a leaner/vegetarian version
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- Alternatively, mix 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp cumin, with salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- Frozen (thawed or canned, drained)
- 1 cup salsa
- Choose mild, medium, or hot based on your preference
- 1 cup tomato sauce optional; adds extra moisture
- 9 –12 small flour tortillas
- Use enough to create 3–4 layers; substitute with gluten‐free tortillas for a GF version
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- Mexican blend or cheddar; divided between layers and topping
- Optional Garnishes & Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced olives
- Diced jalapeños for extra heat
- Avocado slices or sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or non-stick spray.
- Cook the Meat Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the diced onion until soft (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with your spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Mix in the black beans and corn, and simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Layers:
- Base Layer: Lay a single layer of tortillas at the bottom of the baking dish (overlap slightly if needed to cover the entire surface).
- Layer 1: Evenly spread a portion of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Drizzle a layer of salsa (and tomato sauce if using) over the meat, then sprinkle about 1/3–1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Continue layering tortillas, meat mixture, salsa, and cheese until you’ve used up the ingredients. Aim for 3–4 layers, finishing with a top layer of tortillas and a generous final sprinkle of cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Finish & Serve:
- Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut.
- Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and any other desired toppings.
- Slice into squares and serve warm.
- Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (includes stovetop cooking and baking)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking, Layering
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Family-Friendly (adaptable to gluten-free or lower-fat versions)
- Keywords
- Taco Lasagna, Tex-Mex casserole, layered taco dish, fusion lasagna, family dinner, easy Mexican recipe, ground beef casserole
- Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- (Based on 1/8th of the dish; values are approximate)
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 200g)
- Calories: ~380 kcal
- Sugar: ~4 g
- Sodium: ~720 mg
- Total Fat: ~18 g
- Saturated Fat: ~7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~11 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~5 g
- Protein: ~22 g
- Cholesterol: ~65 mg
Notes
Substitutions: For a leaner version, swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, consider using extra beans or a meat substitute.
Tortilla Tip: Overlap tortillas slightly to ensure full coverage. If you prefer a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free tortillas.
Flavor Boost: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat or a sprinkle of cumin for deeper flavor.
Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the layers firm up and makes serving easier.
Customization: Top with sour cream, avocado slices, or extra cilantro just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Tortilla Tip: Overlap tortillas slightly to ensure full coverage. If you prefer a gluten-free dish, use gluten-free tortillas.
Flavor Boost: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for extra heat or a sprinkle of cumin for deeper flavor.
Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the layers firm up and makes serving easier.
Customization: Top with sour cream, avocado slices, or extra cilantro just before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Storage: Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.