Easy Taco Lasagna
Easy Taco Lasagna is a comforting and hearty one-pan dish combining layers of tender tortillas, zesty taco-seasoned meat, melty cheese, and vibrant salsa. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna with minimal prep time, making it ideal for taco lovers seeking a quick, family-friendly meal bursting with bold, authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion
- Diet: Can be adapted to Gluten-Free (when using corn tortillas) and Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based alternative)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 6–8 flour or corn tortillas (depending on dish size)
- 1 to 1 ½ cups salsa or enchilada sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- ½ cup black beans (optional, drained and rinsed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Sour cream or guacamole (optional)
- Prepare the Filling: Start by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in a hot skillet until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When the meat is browned, stir in the taco seasoning mix and a splash of water. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Assemble Your Layers: Grease a baking dish lightly. Begin with a layer of tortillas covering the base. Spread a generous layer of the seasoned meat mixture over the tortillas, then spoon salsa or enchilada sauce on top. Sprinkle a handful of shredded cheese over the sauce. Continue layering tortillas, meat, sauce, and cheese until all ingredients are used, ending with a final topping of cheese.
- Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled lasagna uncovered in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden around the edges.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overload tortillas with filling; use moderate amounts to prevent soggy layers.
- Combine sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for the best melty texture and flavor.
- Slightly warm tortillas before layering to make them flexible and easier to work with.
- Distribute layers of meat, sauce, and cheese evenly to avoid dry or overly moist spots.
- Adjust spice level by varying the amount of taco seasoning and adding fresh or pickled peppers as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: taco lasagna, easy dinner, Mexican lasagna, ground beef recipe, quick weeknight meal, one-pan dinner, taco seasoning, family-friendly, cheesy taco bake