Description
This Mexican Lasagna is a savory layered casserole featuring seasoned ground beef, vibrant tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and a blend of shredded Mexican cheeses, all baked between layers of warm tortillas. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers a delicious twist on traditional Italian lasagna with bold Mexican flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Layer
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa (choose your heat level)
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies (optional)
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese for a lighter option)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
Additional Ingredients
- 6 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (for topping)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish, optional)
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat once browned.
- Simmer Meat Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, salsa, and diced green chilies into the meat mixture. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend the flavors, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, ground cumin, garlic powder, and 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Lasagna – Meat Layer: Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Layer Tortillas: Place a layer of tortillas over the meat. Cut or overlap as necessary to fully cover the bottom.
- Layer Cheese Mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the tortillas.
- Repeat Layering: Continue layering meat, tortillas, and cheese mixture, repeating until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat on top.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of shredded Mexican cheese evenly over the top layer of meat.
- Bake: Bake the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest: Allow the lasagna to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set and make slicing easier.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve with sour cream and additional salsa on the side, if desired.
Notes
- Use corn tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef for a leaner version.
- Adjust salsa heat level according to your preference for spice.
- For a lighter cheese option, consider using cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set and improves slicing.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or Mexican-style rice.
