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Cheesy Taco Lasagna

Cheesy Taco Lasagna

Cheesy Taco Lasagna fuses the comforting layers of traditional lasagna with bold Mexican flavors, layering gooey cheese, seasoned taco beef or turkey, tortillas, beans, and tangy salsa for a quick, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing gatherings alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Seasoning

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 packet (about 2 tbsp) taco seasoning mix
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Layers and Sauce

  • 810 flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • 1 cup refried beans or black beans, drained
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups salsa or enchilada sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Sour cream or guacamole for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook the Meat Mixture: Brown ground beef or turkey in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic once the meat starts to brown, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in taco seasoning mix with a splash of water, simmering until most liquid evaporates and meat is tender.
  2. Prep the Layers: Warm tortillas briefly in a microwave or skillet to make them pliable. Drain beans and gather salsa, shredded cheese, and optional toppings to streamline assembly.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna: Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom. Layer tortillas over the sauce, then add a generous portion of meat mixture, beans, and sprinkle shredded cheese. Repeat layers 2 to 3 times, finishing with a cheese layer on top.
  4. Bake Until Golden and Gooey: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and golden with bubbling edges.
  5. Rest and Serve: Allow lasagna to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set layers for easier slicing. Garnish with optional toppings such as cilantro, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or guacamole before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture.
  • Warm tortillas before layering to prevent cracking and help them meld into the layers.
  • Allow the lasagna to rest after baking to firm up for clean slices.
  • If salsa or enchilada sauce is watery, drain excess liquid to avoid soggy layers.
  • Add fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions just before serving to maintain bright color and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco lasagna, cheesy taco bake, Mexican lasagna, quick dinner, family-friendly, ground beef recipe, layered casserole