Name: Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 55 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef; 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained; 46 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika; 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano; 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 pinch of cinnamon; 0.25 teaspoon salt; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 0.25 cup flour; 0.33 cup tomato paste; 3.5 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices); 1 (4 ounces/113 grams) can mild chopped green chiles; 1.5 cups frozen sweet corn; 1 (6 ounces/170 grams) can chopped black olives, drained; 0.5 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 15 regular lasagna noodles (not no-boil); 2

Layers of zesty mexican lasagna promise a culinary adventure that breaks free from traditional pasta expectations.

Melted cheese and bold spices create a vibrant dance of flavors across your plate.

Comfort meets excitement in this creative twist on classic comfort food.

Tortillas replace traditional noodles, bringing a southwestern spirit to a beloved dish.

Packed with robust ingredients, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that surprises and delights.

Crispy edges, tender center, and a symphony of seasonings will have everyone asking for seconds.

Each bite tells a story of cultural fusion and delicious innovation.

Mexican Lasagna Spins

Vegetarian Delight: Replace beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu or lentils, maintaining the same spice blend for a hearty meatless version.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening the sauce.
Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute noodles with thin zucchini slices or cauliflower sheets, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich Mexican flavor profile.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew cream instead of sour cream and cream cheese, and select non-dairy cheese substitutes to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.

FAQs

What makes the Mexican Lasagna different from traditional Italian lasagna?

This version uses Mexican-inspired ingredients like chili powder, green chiles, salsa verde, and cocoa, creating a unique flavor profile that blends Tex-Mex and Italian cooking styles.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and make the recipe gluten-free.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has mild to moderate heat from chili powder and green chiles. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing these ingredients according to your preference.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the Mexican Lasagna up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Mexican Lasagna That Layers Heat And Flavor

Spice Up Your Weeknight Dinner: A Flavor-Packed Mexican Lasagna Adventure discovers a mouthwatering twist on traditional lasagna that transforms ordinary meal prep into an exciting culinary journey.
Effortless Layering Magic: This recipe simplifies complex cooking techniques by using straightforward layering methods that even novice cooks can master with confidence and ease.
Quick Meal Prep Champion: With just 50 minutes of total cooking time, this Mexican Lasagna delivers restaurant-quality flavors without demanding hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious, satisfying meals.
Crowd-Pleasing Customization: The recipe offers incredible flexibility, allowing home cooks to adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, and create a personalized dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Mexican Lasagna Layering List

Pasta Base:

Lasagna Noodles: Foundation of the dish, provides layered structure and texture, no-boil type works well.

Meat and Aromatics:

Ground Beef, Onions: Provides rich, savory protein base, choose lean beef for less grease.
Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic flavor, fresh is best.

Sauce and Spice Components:

Flour, Chili Powder, Spices: Creates thick, flavorful sauce base, use fresh spices for maximum taste.
Tomato Paste: Enhances sauce richness and color.
Broth: Adds moisture and depth to meat sauce.
Canned Tomatoes: Provides additional tomato flavor and liquid.
Green Chiles: Introduces mild heat and southwestern flavor.
Cocoa, Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates complex, subtle background notes.

Vegetable and Bean Additions:

Beans, Corn, Olives: Adds texture, nutrition, and southwestern character.
Vinegar: Balances flavors with slight acidity.

Creamy Layer Ingredients:

Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Salsa Verde, Salt: Creates smooth, tangy filling.
Monterey Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, rich cheese layer.

Garnish Components:

Tomatoes, Olives, Avocado, Cilantro, Sour Cream: Fresh toppings for added flavor and presentation.

Mexican Lasagna – Baking and Layering Steps

Step 1: Prepare Lasagna Noodles

Soak lasagna noodles in a long pan with hot water for 30 minutes.

Gently move noodles around occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.

Step 2: Ready the Cooking Space

Set your oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Create Spice Blend

In a small bowl, mix:

Flour
Chili powder
Assorted spices

Step 4: Brown Meat and Onions

In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onions until nearly completely cooked through.

Step 5: Add Spice Mixture

Sprinkle the prepared spice blend over the meat and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor Base

Add tomato paste and garlic, cooking for 1 minute to develop deep flavors.

Step 7: Build Sauce Foundation

Pour in:

Broth
Tomatoes
Green chiles
Cocoa
Sugar
Cinnamon

Simmer for 10-15 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 8: Incorporate Additional Ingredients

Stir in:

Beans
Corn
Olives
Vinegar

Remove from heat.

Step 9: Prepare Creamy Layer

Whisk together:

Sour cream
Cream cheese
Salsa verde
Salt

Step 10: Combine Cheese Blend

Mix Monterrey Jack and cheddar cheeses in a separate bowl.

Step 11: Layer First Foundation

Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the greased baking dish.

Step 12: Position Noodle Base

Arrange 4 noodles lengthwise and use part of a 5th noodle to cover any gaps.

Step 13: Add Creamy Filling

Spread ¾ cup of creamy mixture over the noodles.

Step 14: Sprinkle Cheese

Cover the creamy layer with 1 cup of cheese blend.

Step 15: Repeat Layering

Repeat the layering process two more times, creating multiple delicious levels.

Step 16: Final Topping

Top with remaining meat sauce and cheese.

Step 17: Initial Baking

Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Step 18: Finish Baking

Remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 19: Rest and Serve

Allow lasagna to rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Step 20: Garnish and Enjoy

Top with:

Diced tomatoes
Sliced olives
Avocado chunks
Fresh cilantro
Dollop of sour cream

Lasagna Tips With Mexican Spice

Gently agitate lasagna noodles while soaking to ensure they don't clump together and remain separate for even layering.
Add a touch of cocoa and cinnamon to the meat sauce for a rich, complex Mexican-inspired taste that elevates the traditional lasagna profile.
Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.
Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of this hearty dish.
Prepare the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for enhanced flavor melding and convenient meal prep.

Mexican Lasagna Keeps Its Spice After Chilling

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, preserving the dish's delicious flavors.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake covered at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.
Cut individual portions, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Spicy Matches For Mexican Lasagna

Pair Spicy Margaritas: Craft a zesty cocktail with tequila, lime juice, and a chili salt rim that complements the Mexican lasagna's bold, spicy flavors.
Toss Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, orange segments, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, hearty main dish.
Serve Mexican Street Corn: Grill corn on the cob with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime for a traditional side that echoes the lasagna's southwestern profile.
Select Bold Red Sangria: Mix red wine with fresh fruits, a splash of brandy, and a hint of cinnamon to mirror the lasagna's complex, warming spice notes.

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis

Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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