Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Beef – Experience the combination of comfort and zesty Mexican flavors with our mouthwatering recipe, for Mexican Lasagna with Beef. This hearty dish brings together ground beef, refried beans, and a burst of lively chiles to create a culinary masterpiece that will excite your taste buds. In just over an hour you can have a piping hot and cheesy lasagna ready to be enjoyed by your loved ones.
The first time I made this Mexican Lasagna, the enticing aroma alone had my family eagerly gathering around the kitchen. My husband’s eyes widened with delight as he took his first bite and even my picky eater child couldn’t resist asking for seconds. This recipe quickly became a cherished favorite among my family. I’m thrilled to share it with all of you.
What makes this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Beef truly exceptional?
What makes this Mexican Lasagna truly exceptional is its balance of exotic flavors. The layers of ground beef, comforting refried beans, and zesty green chiles come together harmoniously in an explosion of taste that’s both comforting and exciting. For those who enjoy some heat, the addition of spicy salsa adds the kick while the layers of gooey cheese provide that satisfyingly cheesy pull we all crave from lasagna. Furthermore, its simplicity makes it an ideal choice, for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
What You Need To Make This Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Beef?
Protein: Ground beef, for a less greasy result. If you prefer a healthier option try using ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian twist, you can also explore meat substitutes like tofu or tempeh.
Salsa: The salsa you decide to use will determine the level of spiciness in your lasagna. If you’re not a fan of spicy food stick to mild salsa. If you’re feeling adventurous go for hot salsa to add some heat. Feel free to mix and match mild and hot varieties to find the balance of flavors that suit your taste buds.
Tortilla: Depending on your preference you can use either flour or corn tortillas. Flour tortillas tend to be softer with a milder flavor while corn tortillas offer a slightly nuttier taste and a rustic texture. Both options work well so choose the one that appeals to your palate.
Cheese: The type of cheese you select plays a role in enhancing the richness of the dish. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of both brings fantastic melting qualities. Complement the flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling bold give pepper jack cheese a try for a kick of spiciness.
Custom Toppings: Make your Mexican Lasagna truly unique, by experimenting with toppings. Sliced olives bring a touch, chopped tomatoes contribute a fresh flavor and guacamole provides a smooth contrast. These toppings not only enhance the taste. Also, create an appealing visual presentation.
Chiles: If you’re worried, about the dish getting too spicy gradually add the chopped chiles and hot salsa. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly to achieve your desired level of heat. Remember, you have control over how fiery you want your lasagna to be.
Sour Cream: Placing a dollop of cream, on top of the baked lasagna not only cools down the spiciness but also adds a velvety richness. For a twist, you can mix in some lime juice and zest into the sour cream before adding it as a dollop.
Steps To Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Beef:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a frying pan cook the ground beef on medium heat until it is no longer pink. Remove any fat.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 3: Combine refried beans, chopped chiles, taco seasoning, and salsa in the frying pan. Mix everything together well to blend the flavors.
Step 4: Use cooking spray to grease a baking dish measuring 9×13 inches. Create layers using tortillas, the meat mixture, and cheese. Repeat this process for two layers.
Step 5: In a bowl mix water with a jar of salsa. Pour this mixture over the layers of lasagna in the baking dish. Cover the dish. Bake for 1 hour.
Step 6: Once baked add sour cream, chopped onions, and a final layer of shredded cheese, on top of the lasagna. Bake it uncovered for 5 minutes until the cheese becomes golden and bubbly.
Step 7: Let the lasagna rest for 5 to 7 minutes before slicing it. This will allow all the flavors to come together and make slicing easier.
Step 8: If desired you can sprinkle toppings, like olives or tomatoes over the lasagna according to your preference.
Tip:
For beautiful slices of your Mexican Lasagna let the dish rest, for a few additional minutes, after removing it from the oven. This resting period helps the layers settle making it simpler to slice and serve without them collapsing. Employ a serrated knife to cut through the layers. You’ll be treated to wonderfully distinct portions that highlight the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make the lasagna ahead of time cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve simply reheat it in the oven until it’s warmed through.
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken or even a meat substitute are all excellent options that you can use as alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Certainly! If you’re cooking for a gathering double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish. Just remember to adjust the baking time.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Beef
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. of ground beef or protein of choice
- 1 16 oz. can of refried beans
- 1 4 oz. can of chopped green chiles add more if you like extra spice
- 1 package of store-bought taco seasoning
- 2 tbsp. of hot salsa of choice if you do not like spicy, sub for an additional 2 tbsp. of mild salsa
- One 12 oz. package of flour or corn tortillas
- 4 c. of shredded cheese of choice
- 1 jar of store-bought mild salsa
- 2 c. of water
- 2 c. of sour cream
- 4 green onions chopped
- Optional: 1 can of sliced olives drained
- Optional: one tomato chopped
Instructions
- Cooking the Meat: Start by heating a skillet and cooking 2 pounds of ground beef until it is no longer pink. Make sure to drain any fat.
- Adding Flavors: Next combine the beef with 1 can of refried beans, 1 can of chopped chiles and a packet of taco seasoning for that extra kick.
- Preparing Layers: Grease a baking dish measuring 9x13 inches. Begin layering the tortillas, meat mixture and 1 cup of cheese. Repeat this process twice to create layers.
- Salsa Mixture: In a bowl mix together 1 jar of salsa and 2 cups of water. Pour this mixture over the ingredients, in the baking dish. Cover it up. Let it bake at 350°F for one hour.
- After an hour uncover the dish. Sprinkle a cup of shredded cheese on top. Bake it for another five minutes until the cheese melts perfectly. Allow it to rest for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
- Serving Time: When ready to serve garnish your dish with sour cream, chopped onions and any other optional toppings you desire. Slice into portions. Savor the flavors that await you!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
