This Taco Lasagna is a fiesta in a baking dish! It’s a fun and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, with layers of tortillas, seasoned ground chicken (or beef!), a vibrant veggie and bean mixture, and of course, plenty of melty cheese. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you’re craving a south-of-the-border inspired feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the comforting layers of lasagna with the bold flavors of tacos.
- Easy to Assemble: Layering the ingredients is a breeze, making this a great recipe for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Taco Lasagna:
- Ground chicken or beef: Your choice! We’re using lean ground chicken for a healthier option.
- Green pepper and red pepper: Diced for color, flavor, and crunch.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the meat and vegetables.
- Frozen corn: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Black beans: Drained but not rinsed, these add a rich, earthy flavor.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic: Drained, these add a smoky depth of flavor.
- Water: Helps create a saucy filling.
- Taco seasoning packets: Use your favorite brand for that classic taco flavor.
- Salsa: Adds a zesty kick.
- Flour tortillas: These form the layers of our “lasagna.”
- Refried beans: Adds a creamy layer of texture and flavor.
- Shredded Mexican cheese: A blend of cheeses that melts beautifully.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Taco Lasagna
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large skillet, brown the ground chicken (or beef) with the diced peppers and olive oil. Add the corn, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, water, and taco seasoning. Stir and cook for a few minutes.
Step 2: Layer the Lasagna
Spread salsa in the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Layer two tortillas on top. Add ⅓ of the meat mixture, then ½ of the refried beans, and ⅓ of the shredded cheese. Repeat these layers. Top with two more tortillas, the remaining meat mixture, and the remaining cheese.
Step 3: Bake and Serve
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Top with your favorite taco toppings, like cilantro, sour cream, and jalapenos.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Spice it Up: Add some chopped jalapenos, chili powder, or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra heat.
- Use a Variety of Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: For more pliable tortillas, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds before layering.
How to Serve Taco Lasagna
- Taco Night: This Taco Lasagna is a fun and festive twist on traditional taco night.
- Potluck Perfection: It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for potlucks or gatherings.
- Weeknight Dinner: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and a simple salad for a complete meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the lasagna cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, but they may be a bit more fragile and prone to breaking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based ground meat substitute or omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables.
Can I freeze this Taco Lasagna?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it before baking. Thaw completely before baking.
How can I make this dish creamier?
Add a layer of sour cream or a dollop of guacamole to each serving.
There you have it! A delicious and easy recipe for Taco Lasagna that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!
Print
Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
This Taco Lasagna is a fun and flavorful twist on two classic dishes! Layers of tortillas, seasoned ground chicken, refried beans, and cheese create a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 cup green pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red pepper, diced
- 2 cups frozen corn
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Jalapeno slices (optional, for serving)
- Tomato halves (optional, for serving)
Protein
- 1 pound ground chicken (or ground beef)
Pantry
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 15 ounces black beans, drained (do not rinse)
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, drained
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 (1-ounce) packets of taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 16-ounce can refried beans
Dairy
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Brown Meat: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a large skillet, brown ground chicken with green and red peppers in olive oil.
- Make Taco Filling: Add corn, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, water, and taco seasoning to the skillet. Stir and cook for 3 minutes.
- Layer Lasagna: Spread salsa in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer two tortillas, ⅓ of the meat mixture, ½ of the refried beans, and ⅓ of the cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with sour cream, jalapeno slices, tomato halves, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier lasagna, add chopped jalapenos, chili seasoning, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Piece
- Calories: 600kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
