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Ultimate Mexican Lasagna

Ultimate Mexican Lasagna
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Ultimate Mexican Lasagna combines bold Mexican spices, melty cheese, seasoned protein, and tender tortillas into a comforting layered bake. This flavorful twist on classic lasagna is easy to assemble, family-friendly, and fully customizable with options for vegetarian, spicy, dairy-free, and low-carb diets. Perfect for a festive dinner, leftovers taste even better after a day.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Base

  • 1 lb ground beef, turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pinto or black beans (optional)

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 cup mild or spicy salsa
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Layers and Cheese

  • 8–12 flour or corn tortillas (warmed)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican cheese mix)

Garnishes (Optional)

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole or avocado slices
  • Green onions, sliced

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat and Sauce: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook ground meat with diced onions and garlic until browned and fragrant. Stir in cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, then mix in salsa and beans if using. Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prep Baking Dish: Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy layering.
  3. Layer the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of salsa or meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of warmed tortillas, then more sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of cheese. Repeat until ingredients are used up, typically 3-4 layers.
  4. Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, add extra cheese on top, and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, or guacamole before serving.

Notes

  • Warm tortillas slightly before layering for easier handling and better folding.
  • Drain excess fat from cooked meat to keep layers balanced and prevent sogginess.
  • Use just enough sauce to keep layers moist but not drenched.
  • Allow lasagna to rest after baking for cleaner slices and enhanced flavor.
  • Use fresh salsa, herbs, and cheese for vibrant flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican lasagna, layered casserole, spicy lasagna, tortilla lasagna, Mexican dinner, cheesy casserole

Find it online: https://marybaking.com/ultimate-mexican-lasagna/