Best Taco Lasagna Recipe [VIDEO] (2024)

Taco Lasagnais made with taco meat, layers of tortillas, and lots of cheese. This casserole is the perfect combination of Mexican-inspired ingredients, and it also freezes well. It is an easy meal to make for the whole family to enjoy!

This recipe is hearty, cheesy, and delicious. The best thing is that it tastes like a huge burrito. Make sure to serve it topped with sour cream, salsa, and some guacamole for a Mexican feast. We love Mexican-inspired food, and we have a full collection of them on our blog. Make sure to try our very easy-to-make Taco Pasta and also thisInstant Pot Taco Soup.

Best Taco Lasagna Recipe [VIDEO] (1)

Best Taco Lasagna

This casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food that my family loves.My most ordered dish at any Mexican place would definitely be a taco plate. Another favorite meal of mine is, of course, lasagna. So combining the two cuisines together in one easy-to-make dish is a dream come true.

This Mexican lasagna combines beef cooked with chunky and spicy salsa, homemade taco seasoning, tortillas, and lots of cheese. I added some veggies into the mix, such as onion, some garlic, and green bell pepper, to lift up the flavors in the dish. Also, to make it a more traditional and authentic Mexican meal, I added a blend of Mexican cheese, and beans.

In addition, the casserole turns out perfectly cooked, juicy, flavorful, and ready in just about one hour, from start to finish. This dish can be served with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, salsa, fresh cilantro, or some chopped fresh jalapenos for a spicier kick.

Another fun part of this meal is that instead of lasagna noodles, you use flour or corn tortillas. In addition, the recipe is very versatile and you can use whatever veggies or ground meat you have on hand!

Reader’s Feedback:

This recipe is another favorite with our readers! Just check the great feedback that it gets:

“This was a very very delicious meal. My daughters and my son destroyed this dish which makes me happy. Thank you”

“I made this tonight with ground Turkey and medium salsa. I skipped the cornstarch and water. It was delicious!!! Not soggy and set up really well. Definitely going to make it again. Thanks for the recipe.”

“This is a great twist on lasagna! I love Mexican flavors and this sounds delicious. It’s nice to try a new variation on one of our fave meals!”

Best Taco Lasagna Recipe [VIDEO] (3)

Ingredients Needed:

Taco Beef:

  • Ground beef
  • Veggies: onion, garlic, green bell peppers, and diced green chiles.
  • Salsa: we prefer to use store-bought as it saves time.
  • Seasonings: salt, pepper, and your favorite taco seasoning.
  • Cornstarch
  • Water

Other layers:

  • Tortillas: Flour tortillas or corn tortillas.
  • Beans: Refried beans and also pinto or black beans.
  • Cheese: We use a Mexican cheese blend.

Topping:

  • Salsa
  • Mexican cheese blend

How do you make a Taco Lasagna recipe from scratch:

  1. Prepare the casserole dish: For perfect and uniform cooking, I recommend using a9×13 non-stick baking panfor this recipe. Also, if you want to double the dish, then go with a larger casserole baking dish.
  2. Brown the beef: First, start by browning the beef in a large cast-iron skillet, until no longer pink. After that, add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, green chiles, salsa, and taco seasoning. Also, make sure to season everything with salt and pepper.
  3. Cornstarch slurry: After that, mix the cornstarch with the water until dissolved and add the mixture to the skillet. Stir, until the mixture thickens and after that remove it from heat and set aside.
  4. Assemble: Finally, start assembling it. Start with a layer of tortillas and after a layer of refried beans. Next, add the beef mixture, followed by black or pinto beans, and cheese. After that, repeat layers and top with remaining cheese and salsa.
  5. Bake: Lastly, bake it at 350 degrees F until the cheese is melted and bubbly, for about 30 minutes.
  6. Serve: Let it rest for 10-15 minutes and after that slice and serve it with your favorite toppings.

Recipe Variations:

  • Meat: While I used ground beef in this Taco Lasagna. However, you can easily swap the meat by using ground chicken, ground turkey, or even sausage.
  • Vegetarian: To make it vegetarian, skip the meat altogether and use more refried beans, canned beans, and veggies.
  • Spicier: Alternatively, make it spicer by using a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or more chiles.
  • Gluten-Free: Also, this recipe is easy to make gluten-free, just use corn tortillas and you are good.
  • Cheese: Another option is to use your favorite cheese, like cheddar, Fontina, Gouda, or Pepper Jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Topping Suggestions:

  • Bacon crumbs or chopped bacon
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Chopped green onion
  • Parsley or cilantro
  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Crema Fresca
  • Fresh salsa
  • Chopped jalapenos
  • Guacamole
  • Crumbled cotija cheese
Best Taco Lasagna Recipe [VIDEO] (4)

How to freeze a lasagna:

Freeze:

  • First, let it cool to room temperature, after that, it can be frozen in a freezer-safe dish. Actually, most glass or ceramic casserole dishes are fine for this purpose.
  • If it has been but into individual pieces, refrigerate it first, for the layers to settle. It makes wrapping them easier.
  • Next, cover the dish with freezer-safe plastic wrap. Make sure to wrap the plastic around the entire dish, to make sure there are no gaps in the wrap where air could get in and cause freezer burn. Also, cover well in aluminum foil.
  • In addition, the slices can be individually wrapped in freezer-safe plastic wrap and foil or added to freezer-safe bags. This is a great alternative for those who don’t want to thaw an entire lasagna or want to cook smaller food portions.
  • Freeze for up to 3 months for the best flavor. But, it will keep good for 6 months or more.

Thaw:

  • The night before you intend to have it for dinner, transfer it from the freezer to the fridge and thaw it overnight.
  • Once thawed cook it or reheat if it has been already cooked.
  • If you try to bake it while it’s still frozen or partially frozen, it will cook unevenly and it won’t be as good.

More Mexican Recipes:

  • Cheesy Instant Pot Taco Pasta [VIDEO]
  • Instant Pot Chicken Fajita Pasta
  • Mexican Beef Stew Recipe [Video]
  • Mexican Pot Roast Recipe [Video]

What is a Taco Lasagna?

This is a comfort casserole dish that uses corn tortilla in combination with ground beef, taco seasoning, cheese, and veggies. All layered together then baked till bubbly and golden brown.

Recipe Tips:

  • Use quality ground beef. This will make the dish more flavorful.
  • Also, to shave off a few calories, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. In addition, I would recommend using reduced-fat cheese.
  • For a healthier version, try my zucchini lasagna. It is equally delicious.
  • For a fresh burst of vibrant flavor and color, toss a palmful of minced cilantro, fresh basil, or parsley on top of this casserole before serving.
  • Similarly, you could use reduced-fat cheese. Also, you can use your preferred cheese in this recipe.
  • Add more or fewer veggies upon discretion. I like to use one green bell pepper, but a cup of zucchini would work great as well.
  • While I have used tortillas instead of lasagna noodles, you can also make this Taco Lasagna with traditional lasagna noodles.
  • Feel free to use your favorite cheeses or a mix of a few varieties. Just go with what you like the most.

Taco Lasagna Recipe

  • Prep Time40 MIN
  • Cook Time30 MIN
  • Servings 8 slices

  • 12 flour or corn tortillas 8 inch ones
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black or pinto beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans (16 ounces) refried beans refried beans
  • 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Beef Layer:

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small onion finely diced
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 green bell pepper finely diced
  • 1 can (7 ounces) diced green chiles
  • 3 cups salsa
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cornstarch Slurry:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 tablespoons water

Topping:

  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

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Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and place a baking rack in the middle of the oven.

  • Lightly grease a 9x13 inch deep casserole dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Beef Layer:

  • Place a large skillet or cast iron pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot add 2 tablespoons of oil to it.

  • Next, add the beef to the skillet and cook unmoved for 1 minute, so it gets a nice sear. After that, use a wooden spoon to break the beef.

  • Cook stirring for about 5 minutes, or until no longer pink. Drain grease from the pan, leaving only about 2 tablespoons.

  • Add diced onion, diced bell pepper, minced garlic, diced green chiles, 3 cups of salsa, and taco seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Stir and bring to a simmer, simmer for 2 about two minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes.

Cornstarch Slurry:

  • Mix cornstarch with water until cornstarch is dissolved and add to the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens. Make sure you stir, to avoid the beef from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

  • Remove the skillet from heat and set it aside.

Assembling the lasagna:

  • Add two tortillas to the prepared pan. Cut 1 tortilla into quarters and add each quarter to the corners of the pan, to cover any empty spaces there. Cut 1 tortilla in half, and add each half to each side of the pan, straight side touching the pan and covering the empty space.

  • Add half of the refried beans and carefully spread them on top of the tortillas, trying to avoid moving the tortillas.

  • Add half of the beef mixture and spread it evenly.

  • Add half of the black or pinto beans, on top of the beef mixture.

  • Top with 1 1/2 cups of shredded Mexican blend cheese.

  • Repeat with another layer of tortillas, remaining refried beans, remaining beef mixture, remaining black or pinto beans, and 1 1/2 cups cheese.

  • Top with another layer of tortillas, spread 1 cup of salsa over the final layer of tortillas, and sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Mexican blend cheese.

Bake:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.

  • Remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Let the lasagna cool for 30-40 minutes, before slicing and serving.

  • Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a dollop of sour cream.

Nutrition Facts

Best Taco Lasagna Recipe [VIDEO] (9)
Best Taco Lasagna Recipe [VIDEO] (2024)

FAQs

What makes lasagna taste better? ›

Five Secrets of Building the Ultimate Lasagna
  1. Secret #1: No-Boil Noodles Actually Taste Better. ...
  2. Secret #2: For a Rich Sauce, Use Pork Sausage Instead of Ground Beef. ...
  3. Secret #3: Fresh Mozzarella Actually Makes a Difference.
Jan 6, 2015

What is the difference between Mexican lasagna and lasagna? ›

It's called a Mexican "lasagna" because it's layered like its distant Italian cousin (very distant). Only in true southwestern style, we are using corn tortillas in place of lasagna noodles, salsa instead of sauce, beans in place of béchamel, and mild cheddar and jack instead of ricotta and Parmesan.

What layer do you end with in lasagna? ›

Finish off your lasagne either with a layer of tomato-based sauce or with your white sauce – whichever you have left – and then grate over plenty of Parmigiano-Reggiano. A common extra topping is torn mozzarella, which makes a lovely, melted cheesy layer on top.

How to add more flavour to lasagne? ›

Dry red wine: Which will add the yummiest depth of flavor to our sauce. Or if you prefer not to cook with wine, you are welcome to sub in beef, chicken or vegetable stock instead. Dried herbs + spices: Crushed red pepper flakes, dried oregano, bay leaf, sea salt and lots of freshly-cracked black pepper.

What not to do when making lasagna? ›

A well-made lasagna can be a delicious and satisfying meal, just as long as it's cooked correctly.
  1. Not cooking the noodles correctly. ...
  2. Not having all the ingredients ready. ...
  3. Not browning the meat. ...
  4. Using the wrong cheese. ...
  5. Skipping the dairy sauce. ...
  6. Skimping on the amount of marinara. ...
  7. Improperly layering the noodles.
Feb 21, 2023

How to make lasagna tastier? ›

  1. Up the texture with chunky meat. Lasagne has evolved into a mince-based dish, but it can also be made using shredded, slow-cooked meat. ...
  2. Add pancetta or bacon. ...
  3. Don't be shy with the wine. ...
  4. Try a wild mushroom white sauce for added luxury. ...
  5. Use three types of cheese. ...
  6. Choose egg pasta sheets. ...
  7. Stop the slop (add less sauce)

Is lasagna Mexican or Italian? ›

Lasagna originated in Italy during the Middle Ages.

Can I use queso fresco instead of ricotta in lasagna? ›

Replacing traditional ricotta cheese with queso fresco gives this casserole a firm, hearty texture. I used La VaquitaⓇ Queso Fresco, a local Texas brand in this recipe. La Vaquita® was founded by Maria Castro in 1971. Castro began making the cheese from her Houston home shortly after immigrating from Mexico.

Do you bake lasagna covered or uncovered? ›

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until cheese is golden brown, 5 to 10 more minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Should you criss cross lasagna noodles? ›

(Do notice that I put the noodles criss cross – perpendicular from the layer below – it helps it to hold together when you serve it). So, the noodles directly on the cheese means there won't be enough for a top layer of noodles.

What's the best cheese to top lasagne? ›

A good lasagna will have cheese on every layer. This is traditionally a ricotta, mozzarella blend. The top layer is usually a blend of mozzarella, Romano, and parmigiano . The sauce is spread over the noodles of each layer and then the cheese mixture.

Why do you put milk in lasagna? ›

Milk. It tenderises the meat, to leave you with the most tender ragù.

Should lasagna sauce be thick or runny? ›

So, to achieve the perfect lasagna, the consistency of the sauce is absolutely essential. Both the ragù and béchamel sauce should be dense and creamy. Avoid sauces that are too liquid and slide to the bottom of the dish. A thicker consistency of the sauce will allow the pasta to be flavoured in the best possible way.

How to elevate your lasagna? ›

Up the luxe factor by infusing the white sauce with wild mushrooms, which provide a complementary flavour for the beef. Give the meat sauce a boozy kick with a generous measure of full-bodied red wine. It's important that you don't add too much liquid to the sauce – lasagne shouldn't be a sloppy dish.

How can I make bland lasagna taste better? ›

Use vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery for flavor plus lots of garlic and herbs. If making a meat sauce, brown and season the ground meat before adding the tomatoes.

How do I elevate my lasagna? ›

Up the luxe factor by infusing the white sauce with wild mushrooms, which provide a complementary flavour for the beef. Give the meat sauce a boozy kick with a generous measure of full-bodied red wine. It's important that you don't add too much liquid to the sauce – lasagne shouldn't be a sloppy dish.

Why does my lasagna taste bland? ›

You can enhance the taste of your lasagna by making sure that each component of the dish is made with a quality ingredient that has been handled and seasoned properly. Make your own marinara sauce with good quality tomatoes, reduce it until it is flavorful and season it with salt and pepper.

How do you enhance frozen lasagna? ›

There are four tried and true methods to prevent dry lasagne.
  1. Par cook the noodles. Don't cook them all of the way, just until they are pliable. ...
  2. Use enough sauce. ...
  3. Cover your lasagne with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil before you bake it. ...
  4. Bechamel sauce.
Jan 20, 2019

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