Zesty Mexican Lasagne
Zesty Mexican Lasagne layers seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortillas, delivering bold flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. lean ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 jalapeno chiles ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove ⓘ
- 2 (1 lb. each) cans tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. taco seasoning dry mix ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) can chopped ripe olives ⓘ
- 1/4 c. salad oil ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the beef, onion, jalapeno chiles, and garlic in a large skillet until the meat is crumbly.
- Add the tomatoes, seasonings, and olives to the skillet.
- Stir well to combine.
- Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, add more jalapenos or use a spicier taco seasoning. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the lean ground chuck if you prefer a lighter option. If you want to make this dish vegetarian, replace the meat with black beans or lentils for a nutritious twist. Consider using corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions
This zesty Mexican lasagne pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some homemade guacamole for a refreshing contrast. Serve with a dollop of sour cream on top and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. It also works well as a filling for tacos or as a side to chips and dip, like Southwestern Black Bean Dip.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the lasagna in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Mexican Lasagne contains roughly 970 calories, with 38g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value), iron (47% of the Daily Value), and potassium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2226mg per serving (97% 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 use different types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack for added flavor. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the other ingredients for the best result.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the meat and sauce mixture ahead of time and assemble the lasagne the day you plan to serve it. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire lasagne, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this lasagne freezes well. To freeze, assemble the dish but do not bake it. Instead, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake according to the recipe instructions.
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).