Description
Spicy Mexican Lasagna brings layers of zesty flavors dancing together in one comforting dish. Cheesy tortillas, seasoned ground beef, and warm spices create a mouthwatering meal that welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meats:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or ground turkey
Vegetables and Legumes:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup canned corn, drained
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 ½ cups salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
Cheese, Dairy, and Toppings:
- 8 large flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup sliced black olives
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
Instructions
- Heat a spacious skillet and thoroughly brown the ground protein, crumbling it while cooking. Eliminate excess grease and incorporate diced aromatics, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence.
- Infuse the protein with zesty taco seasoning, then gently fold in black beans, sweet corn kernels, vibrant salsa, and juicy diced tomatoes. Allow the mixture to simmer, melding the flavors into a harmonious filling.
- Warm the oven to a precise 375F, preparing for the layered culinary creation.
- Select a rectangular baking vessel and create a protective base layer of the seasoned protein mixture to prevent adherence.
- Strategically arrange soft tortillas across the base, allowing gentle overlapping to ensure complete coverage.
- Build successive strata by spreading protein mixture, then cascading a generous blanket of shredded cheese. Repeat this layering technique two additional times, culminating with a lavish cheese crown.
- Optional embellishments include dollops of tangy cream and a scattering of briny black olives.
- Encase the dish in aluminum armor and bake, initially concealed, for approximately 20 minutes.
- Remove the protective foil and continue baking until the cheese transforms into a molten, golden landscape.
- Allow the lasagna a brief resting period to settle and consolidate its architectural layers.
- Slice with precision and adorn with fresh cilantro snippings.
- Present alongside optional companions like creamy guacamole, additional sour cream, or fiery jalapeño slices.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegetarian version that maintains the hearty texture and flavor profile.
- Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to reduce calories and accommodate lactose-intolerant diets without compromising taste.
- Increase vegetable content by adding bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to boost nutritional value and create additional layers of complexity.
- Prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and refrigerate overnight to allow spices and seasonings to develop a more intense, robust flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg