If you’re a fan of both tacos and lasagna, get ready for the best of both worlds with this taco lasagna recipe. The first time I made this dish, it was for a dinner party, and it instantly became a hit. People loved the combination of seasoned meat, melted cheese, and layers of tortillas, an absolute twist on the traditional lasagna that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Taco lasagna is the perfect comfort food that brings the bold flavors of taco night to the heartwarming appeal of lasagna.
This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun family dinner. It’s not only delicious but incredibly easy to assemble. Layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and tortillas come together to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want to spice up your usual dinner routine, taco lasagna is here to save the day.
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Why This Taco Lasagna Recipe Works
What makes taco lasagna such a great recipe is how it cleverly marries the hearty, cheesy goodness of lasagna with the zesty, spicy flavors of tacos. The result? A savory dish that combines two beloved meals into one. I’ve taken the classic lasagna layers and swapped the pasta sheets with soft flour tortillas, making the dish lighter and just as satisfying.
This recipe is also a fantastic option for customization. If you’re looking for a healthier version, you can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even plant-based protein. You can use low-fat cheese to cut down on calories or opt for gluten-free tortillas to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets. The versatility is key, whether you prefer spicier flavors, more veggies, or a milder dish for kids, taco lasagna can be adjusted to suit every palate.
Another thing that makes this taco lasagna stand out is its ability to be prepared ahead of time. You can assemble the layers in advance, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it the next day. It’s a meal prep dream!
Recipe Card
Taco Lasagna Recipe
Cuisine: Mexican, ItalianDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes45
minutes380
kcalThis hearty taco lasagna layers seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, gooey cheese, and tortillas for a Tex-Mex twist on a classic Italian favorite!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 packet taco seasoning
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 cup salsa
1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
8 large flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Olive oil (for sautéing)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and corn. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until flavors combine.
- In a bowl, mix the refried beans with half of the salsa.
- Layer the lasagna:Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the baking dish.
Place a tortilla on top, followed by a layer of refried beans, beef mixture, shredded cheese, and a few dollops of sour cream.
Repeat the layers, finishing with a tortilla topped with salsa and a generous sprinkle of cheese. - Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
- For a vegetarian option, swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms and black beans.
- To make it spicier, add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
Tips for perfect Taco Lasagna
- Don’t Overfill the Layers: It’s easy to get carried away with all the ingredients, but too much filling can make the lasagna soggy. Stick to a balance between meat, beans, cheese, and tortillas.
- Season Your Meat Well: Taco seasoning is a must, but don’t be afraid to go beyond the packet. Adding a pinch of cumin, garlic powder, or chili flakes will give it extra depth of flavor.
- Use Fresh Tortillas: Using freshly made tortillas makes a big difference in texture. If you can, opt for soft flour tortillas over the thicker ones found in some stores.
- Bake It Covered: Baking your taco lasagna covered with foil for the first part of the cooking process helps the ingredients meld together and ensures everything cooks evenly. Remove the foil toward the end to let the cheese on top get golden and bubbly.
- Let It Rest: After baking, let the taco lasagna rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers firm up, making it easier to serve and keeping everything intact.
Recipe Variants
1. Vegetarian Taco Lasagna
For a plant-based twist, simply swap out the ground beef for a hearty mix of beans (black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans work great) and sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and corn. Add a bit of extra cumin and chili powder to kick up the flavor. This version is not only vegetarian but also packed with fiber and nutrients.
2. Chicken Taco Lasagna
If you prefer chicken, you can easily substitute the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken. Just be sure to season it well, and for extra flavor, toss the chicken with some salsa before layering. The tender chicken adds a nice texture contrast to the richness of the cheese and beans.
3. Spicy Taco Lasagna
For those who love spice, increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra chili powder to your beef mixture. You can also drizzle some hot sauce between the layers and top with sliced fresh jalapeños before baking for that perfect spicy kick.
4. Low-Carb Taco Lasagna
If you’re watching your carbs, swap out the tortillas for thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. Layer these vegetable slices just like tortillas for a gluten-free and low-carb option. You’ll still get that same delicious flavor, but without the extra carbs.
FAQs
Absolutely! Corn tortillas add a deliciously authentic flavor and can make this dish gluten-free if needed.
Serve with a side of guacamole, Mexican rice, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete meal.
Yes, you can kick up the heat by adding extra chili powder, hot sauce, or a diced jalapeño pepper to the meat mixture.
Of course! If you’re not a fan of beans, you can simply omit them and add extra meat or even corn for added texture. The recipe will still taste amazing without them!
Give Taco Lasagna a Try!
Taco lasagna is a fun and easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor. It’s a perfect twist on both classic lasagna and taco night, offering a warm, comforting meal that can be adapted to suit any taste. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or a vegetarian version, taco lasagna has something for everyone. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dish, perfect for busy nights or large gatherings.
For another delicious layered dish, check out our Swamp Soup Recipe which combines hearty flavors perfect for any family meal
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