Mexican lasagna is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dish that comes together quickly for a satisfying family meal. This flavorful layered casserole cleverly combines all the tasty components of traditional tacos or enchiladas into an easy lasagna form that can feed a crowd. With seasoned beef, beans, corn, tomatoes and spices layered between crispy tortillas and gooey melted cheese, every bite is packed with the big, bold flavors of Mexico.
This 30 minute Mexican lasagna is perfect for busy weeknights when you want an easy one-dish meal but don’t want to compromise on flavor. Thanks to handy shortcuts like store-bought taco seasoning, canned beans and pre-shredded Mexican cheese blend, it comes together quickly with just 30 minutes of active prep and bake time. Let the oven do the work while you relax and enjoy time with family or friends. Customize it to your tastes by adjusting the amount of enchilada sauce or spice level to suit your preferences. Topped with sliced green onions and black olives, this mouthwatering lasagna looks as good as it tastes.
Can I substitute the meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Lean pork would also work well.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas are best to give the lasagna structural integrity. Corn tortillas may fall apart during baking.
Do I need to use all of the enchilada sauce?
No. You can adjust the amount of sauce to your taste preference. Using all of it makes the lasagna very saucy.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire lasagna up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate unbaked. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (or homemade – see blog for recipe)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained
- Flour tortillas
- 2 cups Mexican cheese blend (see blog for blend)
- Homemade enchilada sauce (see blog for recipe)
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
- Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the hot pepper flakes and taco seasoning. Cover and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, corn and kidney beans. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 1/3 of the enchilada sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cut flour tortillas in half. Place in bottom of dish, overlapping as needed to cover bottom.
- Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Top with 1 cup of the cheese. Recipe by Ineskohl.info
- Add another layer of halved tortillas. Spread 1/2 of the remaining enchilada sauce over top.
- Spread another 1/3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by the remaining 1 cup of cheese.
- Add a final layer of halved tortillas. Top with the remaining meat mixture.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbling at the sides.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 20 minutes before serving. Garnish with sliced green onions and black olives if desired.
Tips for Making 30 Minute Mexican Lasagna:
- Chop vegetables and prepare ingredients ahead of time for easy assembly
- Use 80% lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey/chicken
- Don’t forget the taco seasoning and hot pepper flakes for flavor
- Layer ingredients evenly in baking dish for balanced bites
- Let lasagna rest 15-20 minutes before serving for neat slices
- Customize with desired toppings like avocado, cilantro, etc.
- Make-ahead option: assemble full lasagna up to 1 day in advance
- Add 5-10 minutes bake time for refrigerated lasagnas
- Use flour tortillas for best texture and structural integrity
- Adjust enchilada sauce to preference (use all for sauciest lasagna)
- Consider making your own taco seasoning mix for maximum flavor
Enjoy this quick and easy 30 Minute Mexican Lasagna! The layers of tortillas, spiced beef and beans, enchilada sauce and melted cheese makes for a flavorful dish the whole family will love.
