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Cheesy Taco Lasagna

Cheesy Taco Lasagna
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Cheesy Taco Lasagna is a comforting fusion dish combining the bold flavors of classic tacos with the hearty layers of lasagna. Featuring seasoned ground meat or a vegetarian alternative, gooey melted cheeses, tender tortillas, and flavorful toppings, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With versatile ingredient options and customizable spice levels, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that brings warmth and zest to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or substitute with seasoned black beans or lentils for vegetarian)
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2 tablespoons homemade taco spice blend)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup refried beans

Cheese and Tortillas

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8–10 flour or corn tortillas (corn tortillas for gluten-free version)

Sauces and Extras

  • 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, diced avocado, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Cook the Taco Meat: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned. Stir in the taco seasoning along with a splash of water to help the spices meld. Let the mixture simmer until thickened and flavorful.
  2. Prepare the Refried Beans: Warm the refried beans in a small pot or microwave until heated through. Optionally, stir in a little cheese or salsa to enhance the flavor before layering.
  3. Assemble Your Layers: Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of salsa or enchilada sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of tortillas over the sauce, then add a layer of cooked taco meat, refried beans, and a generous handful of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat these layers, finishing with a top layer of cheese to form a golden crust once baked.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for approximately 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
  5. Let It Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set, making slicing and serving easier. Garnish with optional toppings like sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime if desired.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese as it melts better and reduces grease.
  • Don’t over-sauce; use just enough salsa or beans to avoid sogginess.
  • Layer ingredients evenly for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
  • Bake covered initially to trap steam and keep the dish moist while flavors meld.
  • Rest before cutting to allow the lasagna to set and slices to hold together perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco lasagna, cheesy taco casserole, Mexican lasagna, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, gluten-free taco lasagna, family-friendly taco dish

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/cheesy-taco-lasagna/