Welcome to a culinary adventure where classic Italian comfort meets vibrant Mexican flavors! This incredible Mexican Lasagna recipe combines traditional lasagna layers with a zesty Tex-Mex twist, creating an unforgettable dish that will quickly become your family’s new favorite. Featuring hearty ground beef, creamy refried beans, oven-ready pasta, a generous amount of shredded cheese, and a surprising, yet perfectly complementary, Alfredo sauce, this casserole promises ease and exceptional taste in every bite.
The Ultimate Mexican Lasagna: An Easy Recipe with a Bold Twist
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with our sensational Mexican Lasagna recipe! This innovative dish takes the beloved structure of an Italian lasagna and infuses it with exciting Mexican-inspired ingredients, resulting in a unique and incredibly satisfying meal. After several recipe iterations, we’ve perfected this version, ensuring it delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. What truly sets this lasagna apart is the strategic inclusion of a rich Alfredo cheese sauce, which might seem unconventional for a Mexican dish, but trust us – it adds an unparalleled creaminess and depth that elevates the entire experience. For those who prefer a more traditional Mexican cheese sauce, a savory queso sauce makes an excellent substitute.
Beyond the delightful flavor profile, this recipe is designed for convenience. By blending refried beans directly with the ground beef, we create a robust and easily spreadable layer that adheres beautifully to the noodles, simplifying the assembly process. This ingenious combination not only enriches the filling but also ensures every forkful is bursting with savory goodness. This Mexican Lasagna isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, promising warmth, flavor, and satisfaction that makes it ideal for a busy weeknight or a festive gathering.
“Made this for dinner last night. I was so pleased with how quickly and easily it came together. Huge hit here. My husband has mentioned several times since how much he enjoyed it, too. Thanks for all your great recipes!”
– Liz
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Lasagna
Can Mexican Lasagna be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! Mexican lasagna is a fantastic make-ahead meal, perfect for meal prepping or entertaining. You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. Alternatively, you can fully bake the lasagna and then freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen) and bake or reheat as directed until piping hot and bubbly.
Can I use tortillas instead of lasagna noodles?
While this recipe specifically calls for lasagna noodles, you can certainly experiment with tortillas for a different texture and flavor profile, creating more of a Mexican-style casserole. Many recipes use corn or flour tortillas for similar layered dishes. However, we’ve found that traditional lasagna noodles provide a sturdier structure and allow for much cleaner, easier slicing, making for a more satisfying presentation and eating experience.
Where do I find oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Oven-ready (or no-boil) lasagna noodles are typically found in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store, usually right alongside the regular lasagna noodles. Look for packaging that explicitly states “oven-ready,” “no-boil,” or “requires no pre-cooking.” These noodles are specially designed to absorb moisture from the sauce during baking, saving you the extra step of boiling them first, and contributing significantly to the “easy” aspect of this recipe.
Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes, transforming this Mexican lasagna into a delicious vegetarian dish is incredibly simple! Instead of ground beef, you can substitute plant-based protein sources such as black beans, pinto beans, or lentils, seasoned with taco seasoning. Crumbled tofu or your favorite meat substitute, like Impossible™ meat or Beyond Meat™, also work wonderfully to mimic the texture and heartiness of ground beef. Ensure your vegetarian filling is well-seasoned to maintain that signature Mexican flavor.
How do I store leftovers and reheat them?
Storing leftovers is easy! Allow any remaining Mexican lasagna to cool completely, then cut it into individual portions and place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can either warm portions in the microwave until heated through, or for a crispier top, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until thoroughly hot, usually 20-30 minutes for refrigerated portions, or longer for frozen (ensure it’s thawed first or add additional baking time).
Can Mexican Lasagna be frozen?
Yes, absolutely! Mexican Lasagna freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for future meals. To freeze, either assemble the lasagna without baking, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Or, bake it fully, let it cool completely, slice it into portions, and then wrap individual slices before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating for best results.
Key Ingredients for Your Mexican Lasagna
Crafting the perfect Mexican Lasagna starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitution ideas to make this dish truly your own.
- Ground Beef: We recommend a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. However, feel free to substitute with ground pork, turkey, or chicken for a lighter version. For a vegetarian option, plant-based ground meat alternatives or a mixture of seasoned black beans and lentils work wonderfully.
- Taco Seasoning: A single packet of your favorite store-bought taco seasoning is convenient and delivers consistent flavor. For a more homemade touch and control over ingredients, consider making your own Homemade Taco Seasoning. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
- Canned Refried Beans: These add incredible creaminess and a hearty texture to the meat layer. They also act as a binder, making the ground beef mixture easier to spread. If you’re feeling ambitious, our Slow Cooker Refried Beans recipe is a fantastic way to make them from scratch.
- Oven-Ready Lasagna Noodles: These are a game-changer! Using oven-ready noodles eliminates the need for pre-boiling, saving you time and effort. Simply layer them directly from the box into your baking dish. If you only have regular lasagna noodles on hand, cook them al dente according to package directions before proceeding with the recipe.
- Salsa: Choose a mild salsa for a family-friendly flavor, or opt for a medium or hot variety if you enjoy more heat. We particularly like Herdez mild salsa for its authentic taste. The key is to select a salsa whose flavor you genuinely enjoy, as it contributes significantly to the Mexican essence of the dish. You can even whip up a fresh batch of Blender Salsa in minutes.
- Jarred Alfredo Sauce: This is our “secret weapon” for an incredibly rich and creamy lasagna. While not traditionally Mexican, it harmonizes beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a unique and delicious fusion. If Alfredo isn’t to your taste, a jarred queso sauce or a batch of Homemade Queso can be used for a more overtly Mexican cheese flavor.
- Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese: A pre-shredded Mexican blend (typically Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Asadero, and Queso Blanco) offers a perfect melty, cheesy layer. For an extra kick, consider using Pepper Jack cheese. Freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly, but pre-shredded is perfectly acceptable for convenience.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Mexican Lasagna
Follow these easy steps to assemble your delicious Mexican Lasagna:
1. Prepare the Savory Beef and Bean Mixture
In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium heat. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease thoroughly. Return the browned beef to the skillet. Add one cup of water and the taco seasoning packet, stirring well to combine. Next, stir in the can of refried beans. The mixture will be quite thick, but as the beans soften and warm through, it will become perfectly spreadable. Cook until everything is well combined and heated, then remove from heat.
2. Assemble the First Layer
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Begin by spreading about 1/4 cup of your chosen salsa evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. This layer provides moisture and a flavorful base. Arrange a single layer of oven-ready lasagna noodles directly on top of the salsa. Typically, three noodles will fit perfectly, depending on their size. Remember, no pre-boiling needed for these!
3. Layering the Goodness
Now, it’s time to add the delicious layers! Evenly spread one-third of your ground beef and refried bean mixture over the lasagna noodles. Follow this with an even layer of one-third of the Alfredo sauce. The smooth, creamy Alfredo will perfectly complement the robust meat and bean mixture.
4. Add Cheese and More Salsa
Generously sprinkle about 1/2 cup of the Mexican blend shredded cheese over the Alfredo sauce. Then, dollop approximately 1/4 cup of salsa on top of the cheese layer. This adds another burst of fresh, tangy flavor to each layer.
5. Repeat and Bake
Repeat steps 3 and 4 two more times, creating three full layers of noodles, beef mixture, Alfredo sauce, salsa, and cheese. For the very top layer of noodles, you might find that your casserole dish is slightly wider, so plan for about four noodles to ensure full coverage. Once all layers are assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes, or until the lasagna is bubbly around the edges and the noodles are tender. Remove from the oven and, this is crucial, let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the layers to set, making for much cleaner and easier portions.
6. Slice and Serve
After resting, slice your magnificent Mexican Lasagna into generous portions. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!
Enhance individual servings with your favorite taco toppings! A dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh sliced green onions, a dash of hot sauce, or even some pickled jalapeños can elevate each bite. Get creative and customize your lasagna experience!
Tips for the Best Mexican Lasagna
- Don’t Skimp on the Rest Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial. This helps the layers set, making it much easier to slice into clean, beautiful portions without everything falling apart.
- Season Generously: Taste your ground beef mixture before layering. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more taco seasoning, salt, or pepper to ensure it’s bursting with flavor.
- Even Spreading: Distribute each layer as evenly as possible. This ensures every bite has a balanced combination of all ingredients.
- Cover Tightly: During baking, covering the lasagna with foil prevents the top noodles and cheese from drying out or burning while the inner layers cook through. Remove foil for the last 5-10 minutes if you prefer a crispier, golden-brown cheese topping.
- Experiment with Heat: If you love spicy food, don’t hesitate to use a hot salsa, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture, or incorporate a layer of diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Mexican Lasagna is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. Consider serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette, a side of fluffy Mexican rice, or some warm corn or flour tortillas. For an even more indulgent experience, offer a bowl of fresh guacamole and extra sour cream or crema.
Feel free to customize this recipe further! Add a layer of corn, black olives, or diced bell peppers for extra vegetables and texture. A dollop of cream cheese can be mixed into the Alfredo sauce for an even richer, tangier flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Oaxaca cheese for a more authentic Mexican melt, or cotija cheese for a salty finish.
Craving More Delicious Recipes?
- Layered Taco Bake
- Homemade Taco Pie
- Classic Baked Lasagna
- Crock Pot Lasagna
- One-Pan Taco Rice Dinner
- Arroz Con Pollo
- Taco Bell Chili Cheese Burritos
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
- Homemade Chicken Chimichangas
- Hearty Cornbread Taco Bake
- Taco Bell Mexican Pizza Copycat
- Crock Pot White Lasagna Soup
Originally published: August 2017
Updated with new photos and republished: March 2024
The Best Mexican Lasagna
This incredible Mexican Lasagna recipe layers tender pasta, savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, shredded cheese, and rich Alfredo sauce, making it a guaranteed family favorite dinner!
15 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour
9
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup water
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 16 ounce can refried beans
- 16 ounce jar mild salsa (divided use)
- 10 oven-ready lasagna noodles (divided use)
- 14 ounce jar alfredo sauce (or queso sauce) (divided use)
- 2 cups Mexican blend shredded cheese (divided use)
Optional toppings:
- Sliced black olives, sliced green onions, taco sauce, sour cream
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound ground beef. Drain excess grease. Place cooked beef back into the skillet.
Over medium heat, add 1 cup water and 1 ounce packet taco seasoning and stir until well combined.
Then stir in 16 ounce can refried beans. The mixture will be very thick. Once refried beans have softened and the mixture is combined and heated through, turn off heat.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread about 1/4 cup salsa into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Place a single layer of oven-ready lasagna noodles on top of the salsa (about 3 noodles, depending on their size).
Evenly spread 1/3 of the ground beef mixture on top of the noodles.
Then evenly spread 1/3 of the alfredo sauce on top of the ground beef mixture.
Next, dollop about 1/4 cup salsa on top of the Alfredo layer.
Then sprinkle about 1/2 cup Mexican blend shredded cheese.
Continue these steps two more times (lasagna noodles, ground beef mixture, alfredo sauce, salsa, and cheese) to create a total of three layers.
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 35-45 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
Allow to cool and rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This will make it much easier to slice neatly.
Slice and top individual servings with optional toppings like sliced black olives, sliced green onions, taco sauce, or sour cream, or whatever taco toppings you prefer!
Video
Notes
- Please refer to our FAQ section and detailed ingredient list above for other substitutions or answers to common questions.
- While tortillas can be used for a similar dish, we recommend lasagna noodles for easier slicing and a more traditional lasagna texture.
- Always use oven-ready lasagna noodles for this recipe to skip the pre-boiling step. If you only have regular noodles, remember to cook them al dente first.
Main Course
American (with Mexican influence)
Nutrition
Calories: 333kcal |
Carbohydrates: 24g |
Protein: 19g |
Fat: 18g |
Sodium: 221mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 1g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.