Mexican Lasagna is the ultimate fusion comfort food—layers upon layers of saucy seasoned meat, creamy cheese, vibrant veggies, and tender tortillas, all baked until bubbly and golden. This dish brings the soulful heart of Mexican flavors into the familiar, cozy format of a casserole, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you want something truly satisfying. With all its zesty spices and melty goodness, it’s one of those recipes that has everyone reaching for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Mexican Lasagna lies in its easy-to-find, colorful ingredients. Each element brings its own splash of flavor, texture, or color, working together in delicious harmony for a meal that’s as cheerful as it is filling.

Ground Beef (or Turkey): Brings hearty richness and classic taco flavors—feel free to swap for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles, if you prefer.
Taco Seasoning: The flavor powerhouse of this dish, giving instant Mexican flair to the meat layer.
Onion: Adds mild sweetness and extra depth to every bite; dice it finely to keep the texture smooth.
Canned Black Beans: Boosts protein and provides creamy, earthy contrast to the meat.
Corn Kernels: Each pop of golden corn adds color and a sweet bite that balances the spices beautifully.
Red Bell Pepper: For a touch of crunch and color—slice thin so it melts right in.
Jarred Salsa: Instead of making sauce from scratch, salsa brings bold, layered flavors with minimal effort.
Corn Tortillas: The swap for pasta—these hold up beautifully under layers of saucy filling and cheese.
Shredded Cheese (Mexican blend or cheddar): The melty magic that binds everything together and adds irresistible gooeyness.
Sour Cream: A dollop here and there in the layers brings creamy tang and balances the kick of spices.
Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle this at the end for a burst of freshness and color (optional, if you’re not a fan).

How to Make Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Filling

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil, then brown the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up as it cooks. Toss in diced onion and cook until it’s just turning translucent. Stir in your taco seasoning, letting it bloom with the meat, then mix in the black beans, corn, and bell pepper. Give everything a good mix and cook for a couple more minutes, just until the veggies are a bit tender and the flavors have mingled beautifully.

Step 2: Get Your Baking Dish Ready

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the Mexican Lasagna lifts out easily later. Spread a thin layer of salsa over the bottom—this not only adds flavor, but it also keeps the bottom from sticking!

Step 3: Layer Like a Pro

Lay out corn tortillas over the salsa, overlapping a bit so the bottom is covered (tearing pieces as needed works great). Spoon over half the meat and veggie mixture. Dollop some sour cream over the top, then sprinkle generously with cheese. Repeat all the layers: tortillas, the rest of the filling, a little more salsa and sour cream, and finish with a thick blanket of shredded cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake to Golden, Melty Perfection

Slide your assembled casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling, golden, and begging to be scooped. If you like a crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes, keeping a very close eye so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your Mexican Lasagna rest for 10 minutes. This makes it much easier to slice cleanly—and the flavors really settle in as it cools slightly. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro if you like, and get ready for smiles all around.

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna

Garnishes

Top your Mexican Lasagna slices with extra cilantro, sliced green onions, or even a few rings of fresh jalapeño if you want to turn up the heat. A big dollop of sour cream or a handful of diced avocado on each slice adds color and keeps things cool and creamy.

Side Dishes

Balance out the flavors and textures by serving with simple sides—think a zesty lime-dressed salad, Mexican rice, or some chipotle black beans. Crisp tortilla chips and homemade guacamole are always a hit alongside every plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Mexican Lasagna into a stunning dinner centerpiece by baking and serving it in a cast-iron skillet or individual ramekins for personal portions. Or, spoon out the lasagna and let everyone customize with a toppings bar—chopped tomatoes, pickled onions, lettuce, and more. It transforms into a festive meal that’s perfect for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining Mexican Lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to four days. The layers only get more flavorful as they sit—making that leftover lunch something to genuinely look forward to.

Freezing

You can freeze the whole casserole (baked or unbaked) by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. For easy weeknight meals, portion out single servings and freeze them in airtight containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes, or in a 350°F oven (covered with foil) until warmed all the way through. If the top looks dry, add a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to bring back the gooey magic.

FAQs

Can I make Mexican Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna ahead, cover it and refrigerate for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just bake as directed—add an extra 10 minutes since it’ll start out cold.

What’s the best type of salsa to use?

Whatever salsa you love is perfect—chunky or smooth, mild or hot. I like a medium-heat varietal with fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth, but anything in your fridge will work. It’s a chance to add your personal spin!

Can I make Mexican Lasagna vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the meat and bulk up your filling with more beans, lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or even tofu crumbles. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, and you still get all the fabulous flavors in every bite.

What if I don’t have corn tortillas?

Flour tortillas work too, though they’ll be a bit softer and less sturdy. You can even try layering tortilla chips for a crunchy twist—just keep an eye on them while baking so they don’t get too dark.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely! Mexican Lasagna is a party favorite and scales up beautifully. Use a bigger baking dish or two, and assemble the layers just as you would for a single batch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fun, filling, and guaranteed to please a crowd, give this Mexican Lasagna a spot at your table. It’s an instant classic for busy weeknights or festive weekends alike—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again!

Mexican Lasagna Recipe