Zesty Mexican Lasagna Delight
This Zesty Mexican Lasagna Delight is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, blending the rich flavors of taco seasonings with layers of delicious meat, beans, and cheese. Perfect for gatherings and family dinners, this one-dish meal combines the beloved elements of Mexican cuisine into a comforting bake that will please everyone at the table. Serve it hot with a side of sour cream, fresh chopped lettuce, and diced tomatoes for a vibrant finish.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef or turkey
1 lb (ground)
onion
1 large (coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
kidney beans or black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed & drained)
red or green bell pepper
1 large (coarsely chopped)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
taco sauce or enchilada sauce
8 ounces (to your heat preference)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano leaves
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
corn tortillas
12 (6 inches) (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (none)
sour cream
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat, adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until the meat is no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
3
Stir in the rinsed kidney or black beans, chopped bell pepper, tomato sauce, taco sauce, salt, cumin, and oregano. Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4
In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom.
5
Layer half of the corn tortillas over the meat mixture, followed by another cup of the meat mixture. Spread this layer evenly, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
6
Add another layer of tortillas on top, then pour the remaining meat mixture over the tortillas and spread evenly.
7
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture inside.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the foil, sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese, and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9
Allow the lasagna to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into servings. Optionally, serve with chopped lettuce and diced tomatoes for garnish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mexican Lasagna Delight?
It is a hearty and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna that blends taco seasonings with layers of meat, beans, and cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What types of meat can I use for this lasagna?
You can use either 1 lb of ground beef or ground turkey.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of beans are recommended?
One 15-ounce can of either kidney beans or black beans, rinsed and drained, is recommended.
What size of baking dish is required?
A 9x13 inch baking dish is needed for this recipe.
What type of tortillas should I use?
The recipe calls for 12 corn tortillas that are 6 inches in size.
What kind of cheese is best for this dish?
The recipe recommends 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How long should I simmer the meat mixture?
Allow the mixture to simmer for 10 minutes after adding the beans, peppers, and sauces.
What spices are used to season the meat?
The seasoning includes 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, cumin, and dried oregano leaves.
Can I use enchilada sauce instead of taco sauce?
Yes, you can use 8 ounces of either taco sauce or enchilada sauce depending on your preference.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, cook the meat with onion and garlic until no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
How do I start the layering process?
Begin by spreading 1 cup of the meat mixture evenly across the bottom of the baking dish.
What is the first layer of tortillas?
After the initial meat layer, place half of the corn tortillas over the mixture.
Why do I need to cover the dish with foil?
Covering the dish tightly with aluminum foil helps keep the moisture inside while baking.
How long does the lasagna bake while covered?
Bake the covered dish in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
When do I add the remaining cheese?
Carefully remove the foil after 20 minutes, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for 5 more minutes.
How long should the lasagna cool before serving?
Allow the lasagna to cool for 5 minutes before cutting into servings.
What are some suggested garnishes for serving?
Optional garnishes include sour cream, fresh chopped lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of bell pepper should I use?
One large red or green bell pepper, coarsely chopped, is used in the mixture.
Is the onion finely or coarsely chopped?
The recipe calls for one large onion to be coarsely chopped.
How much tomato sauce is included?
One 15-ounce can of tomato sauce is used in the meat mixture.
What makes this a 'one-dish meal'?
It combines protein, vegetables, and grains into a single layered bake, making it a complete meal in one pan.
Can I adjust the heat level of this dish?
Yes, you can choose taco or enchilada sauce according to your specific heat preference.
How many total layers of tortillas are there?
There are two layers of tortillas used in the assembly.
What is the total preparation and baking time roughly?
Between prepping, simmering for 10 minutes, and baking for 25 minutes, it takes approximately 45-50 minutes.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended for its flavor, you could use a Mexican cheese blend or Monterey Jack.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for gatherings and family dinners.
Does this dish contain any oregano?
Yes, it uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano leaves for seasoning.