If taco night and Italian night had a love child, it would be this Mexican Lasagna. Imagine layers of cheesy, saucy comfort—like lasagna—but with tortillas, seasoned beef, beans, corn, and a touch of smoky spice. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a fiesta without requiring you to juggle twelve pots and pans.
Here’s what I love most: this recipe is done in under 40 minutes, yet it tastes like you spent all afternoon coaxing flavor out of the skillet. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and adaptable to whatever your fridge decides to offer up. Plus, it’s one of those magical dishes that tastes even better the next day (hello, glorious leftovers!).
So, whether you’re cooking for your family, your book club, or just yourself with a good glass of red wine and Netflix queued up—this Mexican Lasagna delivers comfort, flavor, and zero regrets.
Why You’ll Love This Mexican Lasagna
- Fast & fabulous: Dinner on the table in 40 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids, spouses, friends—everyone devours it.
- One-pan wonder: Minimal mess, maximum flavor.
- Perfect for make-ahead: Freezes like a dream.
- Fiesta twist: A fun way to reinvent taco night.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 8–10 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, brown ground beef with onion (6–7 minutes). Drain fat.
- Flavor boost: Stir in garlic, taco seasoning, beans, tomatoes, and corn. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Layer it up: Grease a 9×13 dish. Layer tortillas, beef mixture, cheese. Repeat twice. Finish with cheese.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil, bake 20 minutes. Remove foil, bake 5 more until bubbly.
- Serve: Rest 5 minutes, garnish with olives and cilantro.
💡 Optional creamy layer: Add sour cream or queso between tortillas for extra indulgence.
Melania’s Tips for Perfect Mexican Lasagna
- Tear tortillas as needed—no one will know.
- Always pick fire-roasted tomatoes for that smoky depth.
- Shred cheese yourself for meltier, gooier results.
- Let it rest before slicing—otherwise, you’ll have a saucy tortilla avalanche.
Bake It With the Littles
Want to turn dinner into family fun?
- Kids love sprinkling cheese (the more, the merrier).
- Let them “paint” tortillas with sour cream like glue.
- Skip the olives if they wrinkle their noses.
Cooking with kids not only makes dinner memorable but also helps them get curious about new flavors.
Meal-Prep Magic
This dish is a meal-prepper’s dream:
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in slices for grab-and-go lunches.
- Reheat in the oven to keep the tortillas crisp.
Pro tip: Bake two at once—one for dinner, one for the freezer.
Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic
Want to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor? Try these swaps:
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Whole-wheat or low-carb tortillas add extra fiber.
- Sneak in chopped zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for creamy tang.
Leftover Remix
Don’t just reheat—reinvent!
- Breakfast mash-up: Top with a fried egg and avocado.
- Nacho party: Spoon over tortilla chips, sprinkle extra cheese, broil until bubbly.
- Soup hack: Add chunks into a tomato-based soup for Tex-Mex comfort.
Gift It Like a Pro
Mexican Lasagna makes the perfect freezer gift. Bake in a disposable pan, wrap in foil, and tie with ribbon. Add a cute note: “Just heat and eat—layered with love!”
Great for new parents, sick friends, or that neighbor who just helped you wrangle your runaway dog.
FAQs
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Double the beans or add sautéed veggies like mushrooms and peppers.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
You can, but corn holds up better in layers and adds authentic flavor.
Is it spicy?
Not too much—taco seasoning is mild. For heat, add jalapeños or chili powder.
Final Thought
This Irresistible Mexican Lasagna is weeknight magic: fast, hearty, customizable, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. It’s comfort food with a fiesta twist, ready to feed your family (or just you with a fork and a blanket).
So the next time taco night feels “same old,” layer things up—literally—and watch how quickly this dish disappears.
PrintIrresistible Mexican Lasagna Recipe (Ready in 40 Minutes!)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 8–10 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when you assemble the lasagna.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for 6–7 minutes, breaking up the meat until browned and onions are softened. Drain excess fat.
- Add the seasoning: Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add taco seasoning, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and corn. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes so flavors meld.
- Assemble the lasagna: In a lightly greased 9×13 baking dish, layer 2–3 tortillas (tearing them to fit as needed). Spread a third of the beef mixture on top, then sprinkle with cheese. Repeat layers twice more, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with black olives and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- For an extra creamy touch, add a layer of sour cream or queso between the meat and tortilla layers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Calories: 390 kcal
Keywords: Mexican lasagna, casserole, beef, cheese, tortillas

