Mexican Lasagna Layered Casserole

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This Mexican-American casserole features layers of seasoned ground beef, hearty black beans, and a blend of cheeses, all nestled between soft corn tortillas. The savory filling includes fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles, which bring a touch of smokiness and warmth. Assembling the dish in three generous layers ensures each bite is loaded with bold flavors and melty cheese. Serve with fresh diced tomatoes, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece perfect for sharing. It's an excellent choice for gatherings, comfortably feeding up to twelve.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:17:46 GMT
A Mexican lasagna with tomatoes and cheese. Save
A Mexican lasagna with tomatoes and cheese. | lilicooks.com

This layered Mexican lasagna is pure comfort in casserole form Perfect for feeding a crowd it transforms simple pantry ingredients into a hearty meal everyone loves with seasoned beef zesty tomatoes black beans gooey cheese and soft corn tortillas stacked tall My family lights up when they see this hit the table and there are always leftovers for lunch

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: Choose lean meat for less grease and a richer flavor
  • Yellow onion: Adds sweet depth and soft texture when sautéed
  • Minced garlic: Use fresh for the strongest flavor or high quality jarred works too
  • Taco seasoning: Blends savory spice into every bite make your own or select a low sodium variety
  • Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring a smoky tang opt for fire roasted if possible to deepen the taste
  • Green chiles: Offer mild heat and bright flavor look for canned varieties with no added sugar
  • Black beans: Give fiber and heartiness choose low sodium and rinse well
  • Corn tortillas: The base of the casserole use sturdy fresh ones to avoid mushiness
  • Shredded jack and cheddar cheese blend: Melts creamy and stretches beautifully bagged mixes save time but grating cheese yourself boosts flavor
  • Tomatoes and green onions for topping: Add bright fresh color and crunch
  • Sour cream for serving: Provides cool tangy contrast choose full fat for best texture

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven and Dish:
Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Spray your baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and set aside
Cook the Meat and Onion:
In a large skillet combine ground beef and diced onion Cook gently over medium heat stirring often until the beef loses its pink color and the onion softens Fully cooking at this stage helps everything meld later
Add Garlic and Seasoning:
Stir in the minced garlic letting it sizzle and release aroma for about a minute Sprinkle in taco seasoning then pour in water Stir very well so each bit of meat is coated and the flavors begin to soak
Mix in Beans and Tomatoes:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with all their juice plus the green chiles and black beans Stir to blend evenly Heat through until the mix is bubbling slightly letting the tomatoes infuse the meat
Layer the Casserole:
Arrange six corn tortillas in the bottom of the prepared dish overlapping to make a complete layer Top with one third of your meat mixture then scatter two cups of cheese over everything Repeat this layering twice more for three total layers ensuring even coverage each time
Bake:
Cover your casserole snugly with aluminum foil Transfer to the oven and bake thirty to forty minutes until bubbly and the cheese is thoroughly melted This gentle bake allows flavors to mingle
Rest and Serve:
Remove from the oven but let the casserole sit uncovered for ten full minutes before cutting This rest time firms up the layers making clean slices Top with diced tomatoes and green onions and dollop each serving with sour cream
A close up of a Mexican lasagna with tomatoes and cheese. Save
A close up of a Mexican lasagna with tomatoes and cheese. | lilicooks.com

Storage Tips

Once cooled slice any leftovers and store in airtight containers Mexican lasagna will keep for up to four days in the refrigerator and reheats well in the microwave or oven If making ahead assemble the casserole cover well and refrigerate up to twenty four hours before baking You can also freeze the fully baked lasagna Let it cool before wrapping tightly and labeling Use within two months for the best texture

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken make a lighter swap for beef For a vegetarian version double the beans and add corn or sautéed mushrooms If you cannot find fire roasted tomatoes use plain diced and boost flavor with a teaspoon of smoked paprika Lactose free cheese substitutes melt well too

Serving Suggestions

Let everyone top their slice with fresh extras like sliced jalapeños chopped cilantro or even a squeeze of lime It pairs great with a crisp green salad or grilled corn Serve leftovers tucked into lunchboxes for a filling midday meal

Cultural and Historical Context

Mexican lasagna is a clever mashup of Italian and Mexican favorites born in American kitchens It uses tortillas in place of pasta and leans on classic taco fillings It was always a weeknight go to for my mom and now I understand why it brings people together with layers of familiar comfort adapted to what is easily found in many US pantries

A close up of a Mexican lasagna with cheese dripping off the side. Save
A close up of a Mexican lasagna with cheese dripping off the side. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.

→ What type of tortillas work best in this dish?

Corn tortillas are preferred, as they hold up well to layering and bring authentic flavor.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

This dish is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free taco seasoning and check all labels.

→ How do I ensure clean slices?

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before cutting; this helps it hold its shape when serving.

→ Can I swap the beef for another protein?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian crumble can work well as substitutes for beef.

→ Is it possible to freeze leftovers?

Yes, cool completely, cut into portions, wrap well, and freeze. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

Mexican Lasagna with Black Beans

Layered Mexican casserole with beef, beans, cheese, and corn tortillas. Rich, hearty, and perfect for large gatherings.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
40 min
Overall Time
60 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Mexican-American

Output: 12 Serves (1 large casserole)

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ For the meat filling

01 1 pound ground beef
02 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
04 ¼ cup taco seasoning (2 packets)
05 ½ cup water
06 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
07 4 ounce can green chiles
08 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

→ For assembly

09 18 corn tortillas
10 6 cups shredded jack and cheddar cheese blend

→ For serving

11 1-2 medium tomatoes, diced
12 1 bunch green onions, sliced
13 Sour cream

Steps

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 02

Brown the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft.

Step 03

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring until everything is well mixed. Add the diced tomatoes with their juices, green chiles, and drained black beans. Stir everything together and let it heat through.

Step 04

Arrange 6 corn tortillas in the bottom of your prepared baking dish, overlapping them slightly to cover the entire bottom. Spread one-third of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle 2 cups of cheese on top. Repeat this process two more times for three complete layers.

Step 05

Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30-40 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is completely melted.

Step 06

Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before cutting. Top with diced tomatoes and green onions, and serve with sour cream.

Tips

  1. Letting the casserole rest for 10 minutes makes slicing much easier and neater.
  2. You can assemble this dish a day ahead and refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve.
  3. Fire roasted tomatoes add extra flavor, but regular diced tomatoes work fine too.

Required Tools

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 22 g