🌮 Mexican Taco Lasagna (Detailed Recipe)
A hearty, cheesy, family-friendly dish that combines taco flavors with lasagna-style layers. No pasta required!
⏱️ Time & Yield
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Prep time: 20 minutes
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Cook time: 40–45 minutes
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Total time: ~1 hour
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Serves: 6–8
🧾 Ingredients
Meat & Filling
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 packet (or 2½ tbsp) taco seasoning
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½ cup water
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1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
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1 can (10 oz / 280 g) diced tomatoes with green chilies (Rotel-style)
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½ cup salsa (mild or spicy)
Layers
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3 cups tortilla chips, lightly crushed
or 9–12 corn tortillas, cut in halves -
2 cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
(cheddar + Monterey Jack works great)
Optional Toppings (After Baking)
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Sour cream
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Chopped cilantro
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Sliced green onions
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Jalapeños
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Avocado or guacamole
🔪 Equipment
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Large skillet
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9×13-inch baking dish
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Aluminum foil
👩🍳 Directions (Step by Step)
1. Preheat & Prep
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Meat Mixture
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Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart (about 6–8 minutes).
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Drain excess fat if needed.
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Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
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Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Season & Simmer
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Add taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
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Stir well and let simmer 2 minutes.
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Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes with chilies, and salsa.
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Simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
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Remove from heat.
4. Assemble the Taco Lasagna
Layer ingredients like lasagna:
Layer 1
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Spread ⅓ of the crushed tortilla chips or tortillas on the bottom.
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Top with ⅓ of the meat mixture.
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Sprinkle with ⅓ of the shredded cheese.
Layer 2
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Repeat chips/tortillas, meat, and cheese.
Layer 3
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Finish with remaining chips/tortillas, meat, and extra cheese on top.
5. Bake
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Cover loosely with foil.
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Bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake 15–20 more minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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For a golden top, broil 2–3 minutes (watch closely).
6. Rest & Serve
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Let the lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing.
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Add toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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Vegetarian: Replace meat with extra beans or sautéed bell peppers & zucchini.
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Spicier: Add cayenne, chipotle powder, or extra jalapeños.
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Creamy version: Add a layer of sour cream mixed with cream cheese.
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Make ahead: Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.