Name: Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; ¼ cup taco seasoning; ½ cup water; 14.5 oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain); 4 oz. can green chiles; 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed; 18 corn tortillas; 6 cups shredded cheese (jack and cheddar blend); 1-2 tomatoes, diced for garnish; 1 green onion, sliced for garnish; Sour cream for serving

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Introduction

This Mexican Lasagna is a flavorful twist on the traditional Italian dish, layering seasoned ground beef, black beans, and corn tortillas with melted cheese. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The image shows a glass baking dish filled with a layered Mexican casserole cut into square pieces. The bottom layer is a soft, light-yellow tortilla base topped with a mixture of cooked ground meat and black beans, adding a dark brown and black texture. The next layer is a blend of melted yellow and white cheeses, covering the meat evenly and creating a gooey texture. On top, there are scattered chunks of bright red fresh tomatoes and small pieces of chopped green onions adding fresh color highlights. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 teaspoons minced garlic
¼ cup taco seasoning
½ cup water
14.5 oz. fire roasted diced tomatoes (do not drain)
4 oz. can green chiles
15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
18 corn tortillas
6 cups shredded cheese (jack and cheddar blend)
1–2 tomatoes, diced (for garnish)
1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
Sour cream for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft.
Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Cook over medium heat until well combined.
Step 5: Add the fire roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), green chiles, and black beans to the meat mixture. Heat through, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Place 6 corn tortillas in a single layer on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, slightly overlapping to cover the surface.
Step 7: Spread one-third of the meat mixture evenly over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 2 cups of shredded cheese.
Step 8: Repeat layering with another 6 tortillas, another third of the meat mixture, and 2 more cups of cheese. Finish with the last 6 tortillas, remaining meat mixture, and top with the last 2 cups of cheese.
Step 9: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 10: Remove from oven and garnish with diced tomatoes and sliced green onion. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 11: Serve warm with sour cream on the side.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a dash of chili powder to the meat mixture.
Swap black beans for pinto or kidney beans if preferred.
Use flour tortillas for a softer texture, though corn gives a traditional flavor.
Add a layer of corn kernels or chopped bell peppers for added crunch and color.

Storage

Store leftover Mexican lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15–20 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up of a thick slice of layered casserole being lifted from a clear glass baking dish, showing five visible layers: a base layer of soft yellowish tortillas, followed by a rich mix of brown cooked ground meat and black beans, another tortilla layer, more meat and beans, topped with melted white and yellow cheese that stretches as the slice is lifted. The top is garnished with small diced bright red tomato pieces and chopped green onions, all resting on a white marbled surface with blurred red tomatoes in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils, extra beans, or a plant-based meat alternative to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if cold from the fridge.