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Cheesy Layered Mexican Lasagna

Cheesy Layered Mexican Lasagna

Cheesy Layered Mexican Lasagna combines the classic comfort of lasagna with vibrant Mexican flavors. This hearty dish layers seasoned ground meat, refried beans, soft corn or flour tortillas, and a blend of melted cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s family-friendly, easily customizable, and perfect for any occasion wanting a rich, satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Meat Filling

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce with Mexican spices (cumin, chili powder, paprika)

Tortilla Layers

  • 810 soft corn or flour tortillas

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Beans & Extras

  • 1 cup refried beans
  • 12 jalapeños or green chiles, sliced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey with finely chopped onions and minced garlic until cooked through. Stir in the tomato sauce mixed with cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Allow to simmer for 5-10 minutes so the flavors meld while preparing other layers.
  2. Layer Your Tortillas and Beans: Grease a baking dish lightly. Spread a thin, even layer of refried beans on the bottom. Place a layer of tortillas on top, overlapping slightly to maintain structure.
  3. Add Cheese and Meat Sauce: Sprinkle a generous handful of the shredded cheese blend over the tortillas, then spoon a layer of the prepared meat sauce on top. Repeat these layers—beans, tortillas, cheese, meat sauce—until the baking dish is filled, finishing with a thick layer of shredded cheese.
  4. Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the assembled lasagna for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Let the lasagna rest for a few minutes out of the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños if desired, and a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema before serving.

Notes

  • Layer Consistency: Overlap tortillas slightly in each layer to keep the dish intact during baking.
  • Avoid Soggy Tortillas: Do not soak tortillas excessively in sauce to prevent sogginess.
  • Cheese Variety: Combining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella creates an ideal melt and flavor balance.
  • Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to cool briefly after baking to set for clean slicing.
  • Fresh Spices: Using freshly ground cumin and chili powder intensifies the flavor profile.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican lasagna, cheesy Mexican casserole, layered Mexican dish, comfort food, baked Mexican recipe, ground beef casserole, Mexican-inspired dinner