What happens when you combine the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting layers of lasagna? You get Mexican lasagna—a hearty, cheesy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. This dish layers tortillas, seasoned ground meat, refried beans, spicy sauce, and lots of gooey cheese for a fiesta of flavors in every bite.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving something satisfying, this Mexican lasagna recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Lasagna Recipe

1. Full of Flavor: Each layer is packed with spices, hearty ingredients, and cheesy goodness.
2. Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences by swapping proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: With its colorful layers and bold flavors, it’s always a hit at gatherings.

Ingredients for Mexican Lasagna

Here’s what you’ll need to make a 9×13-inch casserole:

• For the Filling:
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/4 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 (14-ounce) can refried pinto beans (or homemade refried beans)
  • 2 medium onions, chopped (about 2 1/2 cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
  • 1 (7-ounce) can diced green Anaheim chiles
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• For the Layers:
  • 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
  • 2 cups grated Monterey Jack cheese (about 8 ounces)
  • 2 cups grated mild cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
• To Serve:
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Iceberg lettuce

How to Make Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Brown the Ground Meat and Add Spices

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground meat, breaking it into small pieces as you cook. Sprinkle in salt, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and cayenne.
3. Increase the heat to high and let the meat brown without stirring too much.
4. Once fully browned, remove the meat from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables and Sauce

1. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the onions and bell peppers over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Add the crushed tomatoes, green chiles, and oregano. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook gently for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the tortillas.

Step 3: Soften the Tortillas

1. In a 9-inch skillet, heat 1/2 cup olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook each tortilla for about 5 seconds on each side, just enough to soften them without making them crispy.
3. Place the tortillas on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Assemble the Mexican Lasagna

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Place 4 tortillas in the bottom of the dish, overlapping slightly.
3. Spread half of the refried beans over the tortillas, then top with half of the cooked meat.
4. Sprinkle one-third of the cheese over the meat, followed by half of the tomato sauce.
5. Repeat the layers with 4 more tortillas, the remaining beans, meat, and another third of the cheese. Finish with the last 4 tortillas and the remaining sauce. Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Lasagna

1. Place the casserole on the middle rack of the oven.
2. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the lasagna cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve with sour cream, chopped avocado, cilantro, and iceberg lettuce for a fresh and tangy contrast.

Tips for the Best Mexican Lasagna

• Use Sturdy Tortillas: Corn tortillas hold up better than flour tortillas during baking.
• Customize the Protein: Ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even a vegetarian filling with black beans can be substituted for the beef or turkey.
• Add Spice: If you love heat, include jalapeños or hot sauce in the tomato sauce layer.
• Meal Prep: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Bake it fresh before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (Approx.)
Calories	400
Protein	24 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Fat	22 g
Fiber	5 g
Sodium	800 mg

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Bold Mexican Flavors: A combination of spices and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a rich, smoky taste.
• Perfect Texture: The layers of soft tortillas, melted cheese, and hearty fillings make every bite satisfying.
• Crowd-Friendly: This recipe serves 6–8 people, making it perfect for gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Use black beans or lentils instead of meat and add extra vegetables like zucchini or corn.

2. How should I store leftovers?

Cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze Mexican lasagna?

Absolutely! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 15–20 minutes to the cooking time.

4. What’s the best way to reheat this dish?

Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual slices until heated through.

5. Can I use flour tortillas?

You can, but flour tortillas tend to become soggy during baking. Corn tortillas hold up better in the layers.

6. What toppings go well with Mexican lasagna?

Top with diced avocado, sour cream, shredded lettuce, salsa, or fresh lime juice for a bright, fresh flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Conclusion: A Layered Fiesta of Flavor

This Mexican lasagna is a true celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. It’s a recipe that brings comfort to the table with its hearty layers of spiced meat, creamy beans, and melted cheese. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that will have your family and guests asking for seconds.

So why not try this fun and flavorful twist on lasagna? Gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and treat yourself to a Mexican-inspired masterpiece that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy.

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