Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Tortillas + Video
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Make Mexican Lasagna with ground beef, tortillas, veggies, beans, and cheese layered into one mouthwatering casserole. This easy taco lasagna recipe is bursting with south-of-the-border flavors. Prep it in just 15 minutes! The whole family will love this great recipe, and its fun twist!
I just love the texture and look of the layers of tortillas in this Mexican lasagna recipe! This easy recipe means that everyone can enjoy their own individual serving however they like!
They can scoop out some of this taco casserole, and top it with Monterey Jack cheese, a little salsa, diced green onions, cheddar cheese, salsa verde, fresh lime juice, or any other great option that they’re craving.
This puts a delicious twist on their own plate – that they can change up every single time!
No matter if you call this Mexican lasagna, Greek yogurt, Mexican casserole, or Mexican pie, this is sure to be a family favorite that everyone will love!
Gather the simple ingredients and fill a casserole dish. You’re literally just steps away from making the ultimate Mexican casserole that is loaded with flavor.
It makes a great addition to your table any time of the year!
Table of Contents
Mexican Lasagna
I may be the Slow Roasted Italian, but I sure do love me some Mexican food!
So when I found a way to combine spectacular south-of-the-border flavors with my favorite baked dish, the taco lasagna was born!
This recipe is like getting the best parts of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas all in one scrumptious bite.
And the best part? You’ll have it on the table in 30 minutes or less!!
Recipe Video
Be sure to watch the video! Look for it in the recipe card, at the bottom of this post.
To see us make Mexican lasagna from start to finish, watch the video in this post!
For more of our favorite Mexican recipes, try tender barbacoa or this cilantro lime rice.
Both are favorites of ours from Chipotle Mexican Grill, and you are going to love our copycat versions!
Craving more casseroles? This chicken enchilada version has all the delicious taste you love from your favorite chicken enchilada recipe without all of the work.
Or, start with a base of Mexican rice for a simple skillet recipe that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Meat – Seasoned ground beef is a classic taco ingredient, but feel free to change up the protein if you want to.
Ground turkey, chicken, or even venison are all leaner options that would be tasty. Or, use sautéed mushrooms, shredded tofu, or protein crumbles for a vegetarian option. - Tortillas – I used large flour tortillas, but you can use whichever size you prefer. Even corn tortillas would work!
- Beans and Veggies – Here’s where you can really make this recipe your own. Swap black beans for pinto beans, or replace the diced green chiles for bell peppers.
Don’t like olives? Substitute pickled jalapeno slices or leave them out altogether. - Cheese – Pepper Jack and Colby Jack create a balance of spicy, creamy flavor.
Sharp cheddar or your favorite Mexican blend would be just as delicious in taco lasagna with tortillas! - Enchilada Sauce – Whip up a batch of our homemade recipe or grab your favorite from the store.
Tips for Assembling Taco Lasagna with Tortillas
- Measure and divide the ingredients.
Having everything measured out ahead of time will make assembly go faster and smoother!
- Drain, drain, drain!!
The more liquid that’s in the dish, the soggier it will be! First, strain out any grease when browning the ground beef before adding the beans and veggies.
You’ll also need to drain (and rinse!) the black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
Leave the liquid from the green chiles, though — that’s just extra flavor!
- Time saving tip:
I often have portions of seasoned ground beef stored in my freezer.
If you make yours with onions, all you need to do is warm it in the pan with the beans and veggies for a few minutes!
Prep Ahead
- Shred cheese and onion
- Open all the canned items
- Chop scallions and cilantro
- Preheat oven to 425°F
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Large Skillet – A wide, deep skillet is best to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- 9×13 Baking Dish – This set is one of my favorites! It comes with a lid for easy storage and is great for casseroles too.
- Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.
- Wooden Spoon – Use this to break up the ground beef and stir everything together. It’s much better at scraping the tasty bits off the bottom of the pan than plastic utensils.
- Can Opener – It seems like a no-brainer, but a good can opener can save your hands and a lot of frustration as well!
Serving Suggestions
Allow taco lasagna with tortillas to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Much like traditional lasagna, this makes it easier to slice and serve!
Feel free to add your favorite taco toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Enjoy a slice on its own or add a side of Mexican rice and beans. Even a fresh green salad would be welcome!
Storing and Reheating Mexican Lasagna
Allow the dish to cool, then store leftovers tightly covered or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2 to 3 days.
Warm individual portions in the microwave. Or, place the dish back in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Just be sure to let the pan sit on the counter while you preheat the oven so it doesn’t crack!
Want to freeze Mexican lasagna with tortillas?
Assemble as directed in an aluminum baking dish, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to bake, remove the plastic and foil and bake from frozen! Simply add 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.
Taco Lasagna Recipe FAQ
Only the name! Both feature layer upon layer of scrumptious south-of-the-border flavors with a little kick of heat to wake up your taste buds.
Flour or corn tortillas separate the layers rather than the traditional lasagna noodles, and the dish is packed with seasoned ground beef, beans, veggies, and plenty of cheese.
Mexican lasagna with tortillas is only as spicy as you want it to be!
I like to use New Mexico chili powder because it features an earthy, sweet flavor and subtle, spicy heat. It’s mildly hot, which means yo can use more or less to build just the right amount of heat.
If you’re afraid the heat will be too much, you can always use half New Mexico chili powder and half regular chili power.
Yes, you can definitely make this taco lasagna recipe with noodles.
Simply replace the tortillas with cooked lasagna noodles and follow the rest of the recipe as written.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Casserole Recipes
Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Tortillas + Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, grated or finely chopped
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon New Mexico chile powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 14.5 ounces fire roasted diced tomatoes, 1 14.5-ounce can
- 15 ounces black beans, 1 15-ounce can, rinsed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups frozen sweet corn
- 4 ounces fire roasted diced green chiles, 1 4-ounce can
- 10 ounces enchilada sauce (or our homemade enchilada sauce), 1 10-ounce can
- 12 8” large flour tortillas
- 8 ounces shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 6 ounces sliced black olives, if from a can, drained
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Drizzle olive oil into a large skillet, over medium high heat. Add beef, onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper to skillet. Brown beef for about 5-7 minutes. Add tomatoes, beans and corn. Stir to combine. Allow to cook while you begin preparing the baking pan.
- Smooth about 1/3 of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of a 9×13 baking pan. Lay tortillas on the bottom of the pan, slightly overlapping until pan is covered (about 4 tortillas).
- Spoon half of the beef mixture over top of the tortillas, spread evenly. Layer tortillas on top of beef mixture. Smooth about 1/3 of the enchilada sauce over the tortillas. Sprinkle 1/2 of each of the cheeses on top. Scatter the green chiles over the cheese. Add the remaining beef mixture. Spread evenly. Layer tortillas on top of beef mixture. Spoon remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top of tortillas. Garnish top with olives and scallions.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and lasagna is warmed through. Remove from oven and sprinkle with cilantro.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally published September 2012, updated and republished March 2025
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.
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We’re Donna and Chad, the dream team behind The Slow Roasted Italian. Our focus is on taking complicated OUT of the kitchen. Life is busy enough, making meals should be fast and easy, to help make your life as simple as possible. Read More >>
What is the serving size and how many calories per serving?
Has anyone used green enchilada sauce?
4475 calories per serving??
Hi Careen,
Sorry the calculations were not correct, it has been fixed. Thank you,
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
LOVED LOVED LOVED !!!! The Taco Lasagna
I made this last night and as you can tell it turned out amazing.
It was so easy and looks beautiful when it comes out of the oven.
Thank you for making me look good
Hi Penny,
We are so happy you enjoyed it. We absolutely love the Taco Lasagna! Have a great day!
TSRI Team Member,
Holli
Recommendation on reheating when frozen please. Do you thaw and just microwave? is any liquid added like tomato liquid and short bake when thawed? Thanks
Made this as the recipe stated and it was DELICIOUS! We loved the taco lasagna and wouldn’t change a thing!
I made this the other night for dinner. Easy and quick to prepare and it was SO good! Just the right amount of heat! Even reheats well in the microwave. A definite keeper!
Made the recipe exactly as written – it was awesome! Perfect blend of flavors and spices. My husband went back for seconds and thirds. A keeper, for sure!
This is delicious! Everyone went back for seconds. I will definitely make again.
Huge seal of approval from my family. They’ll be seeing it on our table again soon. Thank you for sharing.
Can you tell me how many noodles lasagna noodles that is a use instead of tortillas?
I made it tonight with corn tortillas, that is what I had in house. It was delicious. It was enough for an army. It was super. It would be a great casserole to take to a get together. It would feed a lot of people.
I made this the other night and was surprised how simple and quick it was to put together. And it was awesome!!! Thank you for yet another recipe I will add to my rotation.
Hi Sue!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
this recipe is a game changer! i’ve made it twice already this week and it’s become a family favorite. thanks, Donna and Chad!
Hi Hazel!!
We’re so glad you enjoyed!!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn
Made for the first time. A hit with everyone. I did use a can of refried beans on the first layer of tortillas. I also use pinto beans instead of black beans. Other than that did exactly as the recipe said. One of the truly five star recipes that we will make again. Just the right amount of spice. We all loved this 3 generations.
Hi Marti!
We’re glad you enjoyed the recipe!
TSRI Team Member,
Devlyn