Mexican Lasagna(Makes 12 Servings. Prep: 20 Minutes)
A flavorful layered Mexican-inspired casserole featuring spicy tomato sauce, shredded chicken, and cheesy toppings, perfect for family dinners or gatherings craving bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground red pepper ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes ⓘ
- 16 oz nonfat sour cream ⓘ
- 6 scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz) can chopped green chilies, drained ⓘ
- 6 to 7 flour tortillas (8-inch) ⓘ
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (15.5 oz) can corn, drained
- 8 oz shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- sliced black olives ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix chili powder, ground cumin, salt, ground red pepper, and crushed tomatoes in a bowl.
- Mix nonfat sour cream, chopped scallions, and drained chopped green chilies in a second bowl.
- Layer tortillas in a baking dish, spread with the tomato mixture, then add shredded cooked chicken and corn.
- Repeat layers as needed, ending with a layer of tortillas topped with the tomato mixture.
- Sprinkle shredded Cheddar cheese and sliced black olives on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted.
- Remove from oven, let sit for a few minutes, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of refried beans or using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. You can also swap out the chicken for shredded turkey or a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the ground red pepper to your taste. This recipe is a great way to use leftover chicken from other meals, making it a versatile choice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican lasagna with a side of fresh avocado slices or a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Or Turkey Fajitas for a full Mexican-inspired meal. You can also add a dollop of salsa or guacamole on top for extra flavor. For a heartier side, consider a serving of Mexican rice.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. For a crispy top, consider reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Lasagna(Makes 12 Servings. Prep: 20 Minutes) contains roughly 408 calories, with 21g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (121% of the Daily Value), protein (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 845mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Mexican lasagna ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze this Mexican lasagna?
Absolutely! To freeze, assemble the lasagna without baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat in your Mexican lasagna, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or using a spicier variety of salsa in the layers. You could also add some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor. Adjust the amount of ground red pepper based on your heat preference for a truly spicy kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).