South Of The Border Mexican Lasagna
A flavorful layered Mexican lasagna featuring seasoned ground beef, cheese, and fresh toppings, perfect for family dinners or gatherings craving bold, spicy flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp chili powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp red pepper ⓘ
- 16 oz can chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 c small curd cottage cheese, drained ⓘ
- 1 c shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten ⓘ
- 1/2 c shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 2 c shredded lettuce ⓘ
- 1/2 c chopped tomatoes ⓘ
Instructions
- Line the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with 6 corn tortillas.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet, stirring until crumbly; drain excess fat.
- Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper, and chopped tomatoes; mix well.
- Cook until heated through.
- Spoon the beef mixture into the prepared pan.
- Top with the remaining tortillas.
- Spread the cottage cheese, 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, and beaten egg over the tortillas.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
- Sprinkle diagonal rows of 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and olives over the top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative. You can also use flour tortillas if corn tortillas are unavailable, though they will change the texture. Adding black beans or corn to the beef mixture can enhance flavor and nutrition. When layering, ensure even distribution for consistent flavor in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican lasagna pairs beautifully with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top. Serve with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. For a refreshing drink, consider serving with iced tea or a margarita. Browse more Mexican recipes for more flavorful options.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, but the oven method keeps the texture better.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South Of The Border Mexican Lasagna contains roughly 1302 calories, with 50g protein, 211g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (133% of the Daily Value), and protein (100% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1480mg per serving (64% 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 lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap. When ready to cook, remove the wrap and bake as directed. This allows the flavors to meld and can save time on busy days.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. After baking and cooling, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or use freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta cheese is a great alternative. It provides a similar creamy texture and mild flavor. You could also use cream cheese for a richer taste, but be sure to blend it well to avoid lumps.
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).