Mexican lasagna has been a favorite in our family for years, for generations even! Our mom would make this all the time when we were growing up and we loved it. It is one of those “please everyone” dishes. Mexican lasagna has become one of our kids’ favorite meals, and to this day, it is a “regular” dish in our households now that we have our own little families. This dish is mostly reminiscent of classic layered enchiladas, but we love the Italian twist to it. Give this lasagna recipe a try; I am sure it will become a favorite in your home too!
Ingredients in Mexican Lasagna
Ground beef – one pound lean ground beef. You can also use a mixture of ground turkey or ground chicken. Make sure to drain excess grease before adding the other ingredients. Olive Oil – use a couple tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to brown your meat. Onion – one medium yellow onion, finely chopped. For extra flavor you can add a couple of diced garlic cloves too. Spaghetti sauce – any of your favorite pasta sauce will work great for this recipe. It gives the whole casserole a unique tomato flavor that pairs perfectly with the Mexican spices. Cottage cheese – I like to use full fat small curd cottage cheese for this recipe. You can also use Ricotta cheese. Egg – one large egg, or two medium eggs if you need it. Mozzarella cheese – shredded. Or try a mozzarella blend with pepper jack cheese or Monterey jack cheese for extra flavor. Cheddar cheese – This is different than traditional Italian lasagna, you need a good sharp cheddar to marry the Italian and Mexican flavors together. Parmesan cheese – Using fresh, shredded parmesan cheese is best, but you can swap that out for powdered cheese if that’s what you have on hand. Flour tortillas – these take the place of lasagna noodles to create the layers. Salt and pepper – to taste
Mexican Lasagna Sauce
Most layered enchilada dishes use enchilada sauce instead of spaghetti sauce, but we actually like the Italian flavors in between! We’ve always made it with spaghetti sauce and consider this a “fusion” recipe. It really doesn’t make a huge difference and most people wouldn’t even realize that it is spaghetti sauce and not enchilada sauce. If you are really concerned about it, you can switch out one for the other, but don’t knock it until you give it a try!
Additional Ingredients to Try
For extra bulk and fiber, you can add a can of black beans or pinto beans to the meat mixture. Switch spaghetti sauce for taco sauce or enchilada sauce if you prefer. Top with fresh oregano or a dash of homemade taco seasoning. Add extra veggies like red bell pepper, green chilies, or corn. Want extra spice? Add cayenne pepper and some smoky cumin. A teaspoon cayenne will kick the spice factor up a notch, for sure.
How to Store and Serve Leftovers
Most casseroles, like this Mexican lasagna, will keep in the fridge for up to five days. After the dish has cooled to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. To reheat, you can pop the entire dish back in the oven on low until heated through, or heat up individual servings in the microwave for about a minute until it’s hot. You can also freeze baked Mexican lasagna in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then heat as directed above. Read More: 35+ Quick and Easy To Follow Dinner Ideas
What to Serve With Mexican Lasagna
Mexican Lasagna can be served as a one-dish dinner or you can serve it with side dishes. Here are some tasty Mexican-inspired side dishes you can serve along with it:
How to Make Mexican Lasagna
Restaurant Style Mexican Rice
Sweet Corn Cake
Black Bean Tacos
Restaurant Style Refried Beans
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