Our Favorite Mexican Lasagna
Our favorite Mexican lasagna features seasoned ground beef, melty cheeses, and fresh toppings, offering a flavorful, layered dish perfect for casual family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green peppers ⓘ
- 1 pkg. onion soup mix ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced black olives ⓘ
- 1/4 c. water ⓘ
- 4 (8 inch) flour tortillas ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded Mozzarella cheese
- 1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- shredded lettuce ⓘ
- chopped tomato ⓘ
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef in a microwave-safe dish; add green peppers and microwave for 6 minutes, stirring twice.
- Once the meat loses pink color, drain excess fat.
- Add onion soup mix, chili powder, tomato sauce, tomato paste, olives, and water; microwave for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Place 2 flour tortillas in a 12 x 7-inch microwavable baking dish.
- Spread half of the meat mixture over the tortillas.
- Sprinkle half of both the shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar cheeses over the meat.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas, meat mixture, and cheeses.
- Microwave the assembled dish for 5 minutes.
- Rotate the dish to ensure even heating.
- Microwave for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese has melted.
- Top with shredded lettuce and chopped tomatoes.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef, and enhance the dish with fresh cilantro or jalapeños. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with black beans or lentils. To save time, use pre-shredded cheese and store-bought salsa instead of making your own. This dish can also be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Mexican lasagna with a side of refried beans or a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with The Tarson Taco Salad Recipe for a fun, themed dinner. Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed. Freezing is also an option; just ensure the dish is completely cooled before wrapping tightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Our Favorite Mexican Lasagna contains roughly 568 calories, with 36g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (178% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (73% of the Daily Value), and protein (72% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1156mg per serving (50% 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 prepare this Mexican lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the flour tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, corn tortillas work great. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the layers together. You can also use zucchini slices for a low-carb alternative.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture. You can also substitute the chili powder with a spicier variety like chipotle powder for a smoky 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).