Penny'S Mexican Lasagna
Penny's Mexican Lasagna is a flavorful layered casserole combining seasoned ground beef, refried beans, cheese, and spicy salsa, perfect for a hearty family meal with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can refried beans ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 12 uncooked lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. picante sauce ⓘ
- 2 c. sour cream ⓘ
- 1 (2.2 oz.) can sliced black olives
- 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3/4 c. finely sliced green onions ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine beef, beans, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Place 4 uncooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a 9 x 13 x 2-inch pan.
- Spread half of the beef mixture over the noodles.
- Top with 4 more noodles and the remaining beef mixture.
- Cover with the remaining noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, consider using lean ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for the beef. To enhance the spice level, add diced jalapeños or substitute with spicy picante sauce. If you prefer a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with sautéed vegetables or lentils. Layering with fresh spinach or zucchini can also add nutrition and color to your Mexican lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican lasagna is delicious served with a fresh side salad or some homemade guacamole for added flavor. Consider pairing it with chips and queso for a fun twist or a side of Mexican corn on the cob. For a complete meal, serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top. It also pairs beautifully with Easy Mexican Meat Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the lasagna, covered with foil, for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penny'S Mexican Lasagna contains roughly 1409 calories, with 76g protein, 178g carbohydrates, and 58g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), protein (151% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1104mg per serving (48% 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 lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna a day in advance. Assemble it in the pan, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake as directed, possibly adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be chilled.
Can I freeze the Mexican lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 60-75 minutes, uncovered, until bubbly and heated through.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If you want a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this recipe, providing creaminess with extra protein. For a dairy-free alternative, try using cashew cream or a dairy-free sour cream product. Both options will keep the lasagna delicious and creamy.
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).