The Ultimate Taco Lasagna Recipe: Fiesta Flavors in Every Bite

Crafting a mouthwatering taco lasagna combines two beloved comfort foods into one incredible dish.

Layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese create a culinary masterpiece that’ll make you hungry instantly.

Mexican-inspired flavors dance across your taste buds with each delicious bite.

Forget traditional lasagna – this southwestern twist brings excitement to your dinner table.

Spices like cumin and chili powder add depth and complexity to every forkful.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more interesting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The spice level depends on your taco seasoning and salsa choice. Use mild versions for less heat or add hot salsa for extra kick.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles. Ensure your taco seasoning and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

• How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain ground beef thoroughly and use thick salsa. Let the meat mixture simmer until it reduces and thickens before assembling the lasagna.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Taco Lasagna Features

• Savor Fusion Flavors: Combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines in one mouthwatering dish that brings exciting tastes together.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Layer by Layer Excitement: Creates a visually stunning and deliciously complex dish with multiple flavor-packed layers that keep every bite interesting and different.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Offers flexible garnishing options like sour cream, parsley, or green onions, allowing each person to personalize their plate and enjoy their perfect combination.

Ingredients for Taco Lasagna

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides the primary protein and flavor for the taco lasagna.
• Black Beans: A protein-rich addition that adds texture and nutritional value to the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that contribute richness and melty texture to the lasagna.
• Egg: A binding agent that helps the ricotta mixture hold together.

• Taco Seasoning, Dried Oregano: Spices that infuse the dish with authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Enchilada Sauce, Salsa: Sauces that provide moisture and a tangy, spicy element to the lasagna.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that enhance the overall depth of flavor.

• Lasagna Noodles: The structural base that layers the entire dish.
• Water: Used to help blend the taco seasoning with the meat.

• Parsley, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Fresh toppings that add color and additional flavor to the finished dish.

How to Prepare Taco Lasagna

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a sizzling pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat.

• Diced onions (after beef is partially cooked)
• Minced garlic (in the final minute)

Drain any excess grease like a pro.

Step 3: Spice Up the Meat

Add water and taco seasoning to the beef.

Let it bubble and simmer until the mixture thickens. Stir in black beans and set aside.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Whisk together enchilada sauce and salsa in a bowl. Spread a thin layer across the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Layer 4 uncooked lasagna noodles on top.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Dried oregano
• Egg

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Build the First Layer

• 4 lasagna noodles
• 1/3 of the Ricotta mixture
• 1/3 of the meat mixture
• 1/3 of the sauce
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step 7: Create the Second Layer

Repeat the exact same layering process from Step 6.

Step 8: Finish with the Final Layer

• 4 lasagna noodles
• Remaining Ricotta mixture
• Remaining meat mixture
• Remaining sauce

Skip the cheese this time.

Step 9: Cover and Protect

Wrap the dish tightly with foil to ensure perfect noodle cooking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 45 minutes.

Remove foil and sprinkle 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 11: Let It Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to cool for 15 minutes. Optional garnishes include chopped parsley, sour cream, or green onions.

Dig in and enjoy!

Tips for Taco Lasagna Success

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease and ensure a crisp, clean flavor profile in your taco lasagna.
• Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian alternative that maintains robust taste.
• Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving easier without falling apart.
• Use no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation and reduce overall cooking time without compromising texture.
• Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for added depth and exciting flavor variations.

Variations of Taco Lasagna

• Gluten-Free Taco Lasagna: Replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles or use thinly sliced zucchini as a low-carb alternative.
• Vegetarian Taco Lasagna: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans, adding extra vegetables like bell peppers and corn for protein and texture.
• Spicy Southwest Taco Lasagna: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, using hot salsa, and incorporating pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a fiery version.
• Chicken Taco Lasagna: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken, maintaining the same layering technique and seasoning profile.

Pairings to Enjoy with Taco Lasagna

• Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a hint of orange liqueur to complement the bold, spicy flavors of the Taco Lasagna. The citrusy notes will cut through the richness of the cheese and ground beef.
• Prepare a light, refreshing side salad with diced cucumbers, red onions, cilantro, and a tangy lime vinaigrette. This will balance the hearty, warm lasagna and provide a fresh contrast.

Storage Tips for Taco Lasagna

• Store leftover taco lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor. Refrigerated portions stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions or entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Place in freezer-safe container to prevent freezer burn. Frozen taco lasagna maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.

Taco Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired Taco Lasagna combines layers of tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese for a hearty fusion dish. Comfort meets creativity in this crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb premium ground beef
• 1 small onion (finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 15 oz high-quality ricotta cheese
• 4 cups premium shredded cheddar cheese (separated)
• 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 10 oz red enchilada sauce
• 24 oz thick & chunky salsa
• 1 oz packet taco seasoning
• 1 fresh egg
• 1 tbsp dried oregano

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, preparing a 9 x 13-inch baking dish for the taco lasagna assembly.
2. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then add diced onions midway through cooking. Introduce minced garlic during the final minute of browning. Drain excess grease thoroughly.
3. Stir taco seasoning and water into the meat mixture, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Fold in black beans and set aside.
4. Whisk enchilada sauce and salsa together in a separate bowl. Spread a thin sauce layer across the baking dish bottom, then arrange the first set of uncooked lasagna noodles.
5. Mix ricotta cheese with dried oregano and egg until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Create the first layer by spreading 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, meat mixture, and sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly.
7. Repeat the layering process for the second level, maintaining the same proportions of ingredients.
8. For the final layer, position the remaining lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, meat mixture, and sauce. Omit cheese at this stage.
9. Securely cover the dish with aluminum foil to ensure proper noodle cooking.
10. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil, distribute the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese across the top, and bake an additional 15 minutes.
11. Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes after removing from the oven. Optionally garnish with chopped parsley, sour cream, or green onions before serving.

Notes

• Customize the heat level by adjusting the taco seasoning or adding diced jalapeños for extra spiciness.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a leaner or vegetarian version.
• Rinse black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content and improve digestibility.
• Make ahead and refrigerate the assembled lasagna for up to 24 hours before baking, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 479 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg