INTRODUCTION
Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole is a delicious dish that combines the flavors of Mexico with the comfort of a traditional lasagna. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. It has layers of savory ground beef, black beans, and gooey cheese all wrapped up in soft corn tortillas. If you love tacos and lasagna, this dish is for you. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. You can easily make it ahead of time and reheat it, making it a great option for busy days.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This Mexican Lasagna offers a fusion of wonderful tastes that everyone will enjoy. First, it’s easy to put together. You can layer everything in a baking dish without any special skills. Second, it’s flexible. You can adjust the ingredients based on what you like or have at home. Use more vegetables, different meats, or change the spices to fit your taste. Third, it fills you up! The combination of layers and flavors makes it a satisfying meal. Finally, it’s perfect for making ahead of time. Simply prepare it earlier in the day and bake it when you’re ready to eat.
HOW TO MAKE Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole
To make Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole, you need to follow some simple steps. This dish requires basic cooking techniques like chopping, mixing, and baking, so it’s great for beginners.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Before you start cooking, gather your equipment. You will need the following:
- A large frying pan
- A baking pan (23×33 cm)
- A spoon for mixing
- A measuring cup and spoons
- A knife for chopping
- A cutting board
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 425 g canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 115 g canned green chiles
- 410 g canned fire roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 120 ml water
- 60 g taco seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 450 g ground beef
- 650 g shredded jack and cheddar cheese blend
- 18 corn tortillas
- Sour cream, to taste
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- 1–2 medium tomatoes, diced
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
-
Preheat Your Oven
Fire up your oven to 175°C. While it heats, spray a 23×33 cm baking pan with oil or rub it with butter so nothing sticks later. -
Cook the Ground Beef
Put the diced onions and ground beef in a big pan over medium heat. Cook this until the onions become soft and the meat turns brown. Make sure there’s no pink left in the beef. -
Add Garlic and Spices
Toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for about one minute, just until you can smell it. Then add the taco seasoning and the water. Stir everything well and let it heat through for a couple of minutes. -
Mix in the Beans and Tomatoes
Pour in the black beans, green chiles, and the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes with juice. Mix it all together and let it cook a little longer to blend the flavors. -
Begin Layering
In your greased baking pan, place six corn tortillas to completely cover the bottom. You can overlap if needed to cover any gaps. -
Add the Beef Mixture
Scoop a third of the beef mixture across the tortillas. Then, shower about 215 g of cheese over the filling. -
Repeat Layers
Add another layer of tortillas on top, then another third of the beef mixture, and more cheese. Make two more layers just like that—tortilla, beef, and cheese—so you’ve got three big stacks. -
Cover and Bake
Put a sheet of aluminum foil on top of the pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Once it’s bubbly and the cheese is gooey, you know it’s done. -
Let It Rest
Take the hot dish out of the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This makes slicing way easier and everything holds together better. -
Garnish Before Serving
Add some sliced green onion and diced fresh tomato on top. Spoon some sour cream on the side when you dish it out.
HOW TO SERVE Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole
When serving Mexican Lasagna, you can cut it into squares to make it easy for everyone to grab a piece. It pairs well with a simple salad or some tortilla chips on the side. You can also serve it with extra toppings like jalapeños, sliced avocados, or extra shredded cheese. This dish is perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole
To store Mexican Lasagna, let it cool completely before putting it in the fridge. You can keep it covered for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool first, then cover it tightly and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake it at 175°C until it’s warmed through.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
When serving this delicious casserole, you can make it even more appealing with some extra sides. Consider serving:
- A fresh green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette
- Crispy tortilla chips with salsa
- Guacamole or diced avocados
- A refreshing drink like iced tea or lemonade
VARIATIONS
This Mexican Lasagna is very flexible. Here are some easy variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with more black beans or lentils.
- Chicken Lovers: Use cooked chicken instead of beef for a different flavor.
- Spice it Up: Add more chili powder or fresh chilies to make it extra spicy.
- Add Veggies: Throw in diced bell peppers or corn to boost the vegetable content.
FAQs
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can make your own taco seasoning using chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and salt.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas work well too, but corn tortillas give a more authentic taste.
How long does this casserole last in the fridge?
It will last about three days in the fridge if stored properly.
Is it safe to freeze Mexican Lasagna?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole
You can prepare the Mexican Lasagna ahead of time. You can cook the beef mixture and layer the casserole in the baking pan a day before. Cover it well and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook it, just pop it in the oven straight from the fridge. This makes it super convenient for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to spend more time with your guests and less time in the kitchen.
Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Spray a 23x33 cm baking pan with oil or rub it with butter.
- Cook the diced onions and ground beef in a large frying pan over medium heat until the onions are soft and the meat is browned. Make sure there’s no pink left in the beef.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute. Add taco seasoning and water, mixing well. Heat through for a couple of minutes.
- Add black beans, green chiles, and fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juice to the mixture. Cook a little longer to blend the flavors.
- In the greased baking pan, place six corn tortillas to cover the bottom, overlapping if necessary.
- Spread one third of the beef mixture over the tortillas and sprinkle with about 215 g of cheese.
- Repeat two additional layers: tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, until all ingredients are used.
- Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is gooey.
- Remove from oven and let sit for about 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and diced tomatoes. Serve with a side of sour cream.