Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Serves: 8-10 people

This delicious Mexican lasagna combines the comfort of traditional lasagna with bold Mexican flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. This hearty dish layers seasoned ground beef, beans, corn, and cheese between pasta or tortillas for a satisfying meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Lasagna

• Easy to make – Simple steps perfect for beginners
• Family-friendly – Kid-approved flavors
• Make-ahead friendly – Great for meal prep
• Customizable – Add your favorite toppings
• Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients
• Freezer-friendly – Perfect for busy families

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean works best)
• ¼ cup taco seasoning (homemade or 2 store-bought packets)
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans – drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels – fresh, canned (drained), or frozen (thawed)
• 1 jar (16 oz) salsa – mild, medium, or hot based on preference
• 9 cooked lasagna noodles OR flour tortillas (10-inch size)

Cheese Layer:

• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Optional Toppings:

• Sour cream
• Diced fresh tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature cooks the lasagna evenly without burning the top.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat
2. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon
3. Cook until no pink remains and meat is browned
4. Important: Drain excess fat to prevent greasy lasagna

Step 3: Season the Meat

1. Add minced garlic to the cooked beef
2. Sprinkle in taco seasoning
3. Stir constantly for 1 minute until fragrant

Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce

1. Mix in black beans, corn, and salsa
2. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes
3. This allows flavors to blend and sauce to thicken slightly

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

1. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
2. First layer: Spread a thin layer of meat mixture on bottom
3. Second layer: Place 3 lasagna noodles (or tortillas) over meat
4. Third layer: Add more meat mixture and sprinkle both cheeses generously
5. Repeat: Create two more identical layers
6. Top layer: Finish with remaining cheese

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover with aluminum foil (prevents cheese from burning)
2. Bake covered for 25 minutes
3. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes
4. Lasagna is done when cheese is bubbly and golden brown

Step 7: Rest and Serve

1. Let rest for 10 minutes before cutting (this prevents it from falling apart)
2. Cut into squares using a sharp knife
3. Add desired toppings
4. Serve immediately while hot

Helpful Tips for Success

For Beginners:

• Cook noodles according to package directions and drain well
• Don’t skip the resting time – it helps layers stay together
• Use a glass dish to see when edges are bubbling

Make-Ahead Instructions:

• Assemble lasagna completely
• Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil
• Refrigerate up to 2 days OR freeze up to 3 months
• If frozen, thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking
• Add 10-15 extra minutes to baking time if cold

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days
• Freezer: Freeze portions up to 3 months
• Reheating: Microwave individual portions or reheat in 350°F oven

Recipe Variations

Healthier Options:

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Try whole wheat lasagna noodles
• Add diced bell peppers or zucchini
• Use reduced-fat cheese

Spice Level Adjustments:

• Mild: Use mild salsa and skip jalapeños
• Medium: Regular salsa with taco seasoning as written
• Hot: Add diced jalapeños to meat mixture and use hot salsa

Vegetarian Version:

• Replace ground beef with extra beans or lentils
• Add sautéed bell peppers and onions
• Use vegetable broth if mixture seems dry

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 420
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas? A: Yes, but flour tortillas work better as they’re larger and more flexible.

Q: What if I don’t have both types of cheese? A: You can use 3 cups of just cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.

Q: Can I make this without beans? A: Absolutely! Add extra corn or diced bell peppers instead.

Q: How do I know when it’s fully cooked? A: The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.

This Mexican lasagna recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd and makes excellent leftovers. The combination of seasoned beef, beans, corn, and melted cheese creates a satisfying meal that brings Mexican flavors to a classic comfort food format.