Easy, cheesy Mexican lasagna is made with a seasoned beef mixture that’s layered between corn tortillas and a blend of jack and cheddar cheese then baked until bubbly in a casserole dish.

Want more comfort food? Be sure to check out the full line up of ground beef casseroles too!

Why this recipe works

Instead of a mixture of Italian sausage, ground beef, and noodles you would typically find in an Italian lasagna, this Mexican lasagna switches up the game with corn tortillas, ground beef, and black beans.

You may also know it as taco lasagna and Mexican casserole, but no matter what you call it, this dish is clearly a winner every time it’s made! It’s built the same as your tried and true lasagna, just with different ingredients. In fact, it’s quite similar to our chicken enchilada casserole which also uses corn tortillas as a base. Everyone will love this layered Mexican casserole, it’s packed with savory, comforting flavors and is quick and easy to prep for the oven.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

GROUND BEEF – If desired, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef. You can even use shredded beef, chicken, or pork if that suites your tastes better.

TOMATOES – Instead of fire roasted tomatoes, feel free to use regular canned diced tomatoes or substitute with salsa. I would recommend 1 1⁄2 cups of salsa if you go this route. The juices in the tomatoes (or the salsa) provide the necessary moisture for the dish. Since we’re layering with corn tortillas, the filling needs that moisture.

TORTILLAS – Corn tortillas are an excellent base for Mexican lasagna. They don’t get soggy yet soak up just enough moisture to be supple. Flour tortillas can be used as well, it comes down to individual preference and is tasty either way!

SEASONING – Homemade taco seasoning or store-bought will work just fine. To equal 1/4 cup of taco seasoning you will need 2 packets of store-bought.

ADDITIONS – You can easily add in canned or frozen corn, chopped bell peppers, or diced jalapenos for additional heat. Add any fresh veggies to the skillet with the beef and onion to soften.

How to Make Mexican Lasagna

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Cook ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onions softens.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and saute for 1-2 minutes longer.
Add taco seasoning and water and stir over medium heat until well combined.
Stir the tomatoes (juices included), green chiles, and black beans into the meat mixture and heat through.
Line the prepared baking dish with 6 corn tortillas, overlapping slightly to cover the bottom of the casserole dish.
Spread 1⁄3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle 2 cups of the cheese over the meat mixture.
Continue layering corn tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese to form three layers total.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes until casserole is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Garnish with diced tomatoes and green onion. Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes for easy slicing and serving.
Serve with sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an air-tight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350F until warmed through.

Can I make Mexican lasagna in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the Mexican lasagna a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I would recommend allowing the dish to sit at room temperature until the chill is off before popping it in the oven. Do note that preparing the lasagna in advance will allow the tortillas to soak up more moisture, which means they will be softer when baked. Some may even prefer this, it’s up to you!

Serving Suggestions

Garnish Mexican lasagna with green onions and fresh chopped tomatoes. Serve with sour cream on the side for dipping. I think this would also be delicious drizzled with salsa verde or restaurant-style salsa.

More Related Recipes

Looking for more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here. Or if you need to narrow it down, here’s a collection of budget friendly ground beef ideas.

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