Introduction:
Easy Mexican Taco Lasagna is a fusion dish that combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines. Layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and zesty salsa come together to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
For the Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning mix
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup (240ml) salsa
For the Lasagna:
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, if preferred)
- 2 cups (200g) shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 1 cup (240ml) sour cream
- 1/4 cup (60ml) chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Optional Additions:
- Sliced jalapeños for extra heat
- Diced avocado for serving
- Extra salsa for serving
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the taco seasoning mix, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and salsa. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend. Remove from heat.
2. Assemble the Lasagna:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Place two tortillas over the sauce, overlapping as necessary.
- Spread one-third of the meat sauce over the tortillas, followed by one-third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and cheese on top.
3. Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Serve:
- Let the lasagna sit for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and any other desired toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced avocado, or extra salsa.
Tips for Success:
- For a spicier dish, use hot salsa or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat sauce.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
Nutritional Estimate:
(Per Serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g
Recommendation:
Easy Mexican Taco Lasagna pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad and a side of Spanish rice. For a complete fiesta, serve with a refreshing pitcher of margaritas or a cold beer. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish with friends and family for a fun twist on traditional lasagna.
Enjoy your Easy Mexican Taco Lasagna!