easy mexican taco lasagna

INGREDIENTS

12 oven-ready lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (16 oz) refried beans
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilis, drained
1 cup corn kernels, frozen or fresh
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1 cup sour cream
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
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INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then mix in the taco seasoning according to package directions.
Layer Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of refried beans over the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer four lasagna noodles over the beans.
Add Toppings: Top the noodles with half of the seasoned ground beef, half of the diced tomatoes, half of the corn, and a third of the shredded cheese.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of noodles and repeat the layering with the remaining beef, tomatoes, and corn. Top with another third of the cheese.
Final Layer: Add the final layer of noodles, spread the sour cream evenly over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese and chopped onions.
Bake: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
NUTRITION
Calories: 610 kcalSugar: 5gFat: 30gCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 8gProtein: 30g

20 Tips for Perfect Easy Mexican Taco Lasagna 🌮🍴

1. Use Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles 🍝

Save time by using oven-ready lasagna noodles, but make sure to add enough moisture (like sauce or sour cream) to soften them properly during baking.

2. Drain Excess Fat from Beef 🥩

After browning the ground beef, drain excess fat to avoid greasy layers in your lasagna.

3. Customize the Spice Level 🌶️

Adjust the heat by using mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning based on your spice preference.

4. Add a Taco Sauce Layer 🌮

Spread a layer of taco sauce or salsa between the layers for added flavor and moisture.

5. Ensure Even Layers 🏗️

Make sure each layer of lasagna noodles, beef, beans, and cheese is spread evenly for a balanced bite.

6. Add Black Beans for Extra Protein 🫘

Mix in black beans along with the corn for an extra protein boost and a richer texture.

7. Mix Cheese Varieties 🧀

Use a combination of cheeses like Mexican blend, cheddar, and pepper jack for added flavor depth.

8. Sauté Onions for Extra Flavor 🧅

Sauté the onions before adding them to the dish to bring out their sweetness and add richness to the lasagna.

9. Use Fresh Corn for a Crunch 🌽

If possible, use fresh corn kernels for a little extra crunch compared to frozen.

10. Add Green Chilies for More Spice 🌶️

Include additional diced green chilies or jalapeños for a spicy kick in each layer.

11. Let the Lasagna Rest Before Serving ⏲️

Allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

12. Garnish with Fresh Ingredients 🌿

Top with fresh ingredients like avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

13. Bake Covered First for Even Cooking 🎯

Start by baking the lasagna covered with foil to ensure it cooks evenly, then remove the foil at the end to brown the cheese.

14. Swap Beef for Chicken or Turkey 🍗

For a lighter version, swap ground beef with shredded chicken or ground turkey.

15. Make Ahead for Easy Meals 🕒

Prepare the lasagna ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, perfect for busy nights.

16. Use a Deep Baking Dish 🏺

A deeper baking dish helps fit all the layers comfortably, preventing any overflow while baking.

17. Experiment with Salsa Types 🍅

Try using salsa verde or smoky chipotle salsa in the layers for a different flavor profile.

18. Top with Crushed Tortilla Chips 🌽

Add some crunch by sprinkling crushed tortilla chips on top of the sour cream layer before baking.

19. Make It Vegetarian 🌱

Omit the beef and double the beans or add more veggies like bell peppers and zucchini for a hearty vegetarian version.

20. Freeze Leftovers for Later ❄️

This dish freezes well! Portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for a quick and easy meal later.

These tips will help you create a flavorful and satisfying Mexican taco lasagna that’s sure to be a hit!