Taco Lasagna

introduction

Growing up, family dinners always included some form of layered dish—lasagna, casseroles, you name it. It was during one of those cozy evenings that I first tasted Taco Lasagna. The blend of cheesy goodness with the zing of taco flavors was a revelation. It reminded me of both my favorite Mexican meals and the comforting taste of homemade lasagna. Now, this recipe holds a special place in my heart, often making an appearance at gatherings and casual weeknight dinners alike.

Taco Lasagna is a fun and delicious twist on classic lasagna. It’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, it combines the best of both worlds: the heartiness of lasagna with the vibrant taste of tacos. Let’s dive into the details of how to whip up this scrumptious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Taco Lasagna is an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. It layers tortillas with seasoned ground beef, beans, cheese, and corn, making it a hearty dish that everyone will enjoy. The combination of flavors is sure to impress, and you’ll love how quick it is to assemble.

how to make Taco Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped, plus more for serving
• 1 bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 lb. (85% lean) ground beef
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, drained
• 1 (15-oz.) jar medium salsa (about 1 1/2 c.)
• 6 (8") flour tortillas, divided
• 8 oz. sharp cheddar, shredded, divided
• 8 oz. pepper Jack cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 (14.75-oz.) can creamed corn, divided
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped tomatoes, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 13" x 9" baking dish with a bit of oil.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 Tbsp. of oil. Toss in the onion and bell pepper, cooking and stirring for about 7 minutes until softened. Then, add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook while breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon until it’s no longer pink, around 6 minutes. Drain the excess fat.
4. Stir in the chili powder, flour, and cumin, cooking until everything is well coated and aromatic, about 1 minute. Add the black beans, salsa, and 1/4 cup of water, cooking until everything is warmed through, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
5. Start building the layers in the prepared dish: spread a little beef mixture on the bottom, top with 2 tortillas, sprinkle one-quarter of the cheddar and pepper Jack cheese, half of the creamed corn, and half of the remaining beef mixture. Repeat this layer, finishing with 2 tortillas topped with the last of the cheeses.
6. Bake the lasagna for about 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it sit for 10 minutes after coming out of the oven.
7. Drizzle with sour cream and top with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.

Tips to make Taco Lasagna

• For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or using spicy salsa.
• Feel free to swap the ground beef for turkey or a meat alternative for a healthier version.

How to serve Taco Lasagna

Serve it hot, straight from the oven, topped with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a generous dollop of sour cream. It pairs well with side salads or tortilla chips for crunch.

How to store Taco Lasagna

To store leftovers, cover the lasagna tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3 to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding veggies like zucchini or spinach for more nutrients. Alternatively, try different cheese combinations or use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.

FAQs About Taco Lasagna

1. Can I make Taco Lasagna ahead of time?
   Yes! You can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving.

2. What can I use instead of ground beef?
   Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat can be good substitutions.

3. Is Taco Lasagna spicy?
   It can be! If you prefer less heat, choose mild salsa and adjust the chili powder accordingly.

4. Can I freeze Taco Lasagna?
   Absolutely! Just make sure it’s covered well and thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy this tasty twist on a classic lasagna at your next meal!

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