Mexican Lasagna (Tex-Mex Tortilla Casserole) 🌮🧀🍲

Layered, cheesy, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor

Introduction

This Mexican Lasagna (also known as a tortilla casserole) swaps traditional pasta for tortillas and layers them with seasoned meat, beans, sauce, and plenty of melted cheese.

It’s hearty, easy to assemble, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Filling:

500g ground beef (or chicken/turkey)
1 small onion (chopped)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp taco seasoning
1 can (400g) black beans (drained & rinsed)
1 cup corn (fresh or frozen)
1 cup salsa

Layers:

6–8 tortillas (corn or flour)
2–3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)

Optional Toppings:

Sour cream
Guacamole
Jalapeños
Fresh cilantro
Diced tomatoes

Substitutions:

Beef → ground turkey, chicken, or lentils
Tortillas → low-carb wraps
Beans → kidney or pinto beans
Cheese → dairy-free alternative

Timing

Preparation time: 15–20 minutes
Baking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: ~45–50 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Cook filling

Heat oil in a pan. Cook onion and garlic, then add ground meat.

Step 3: Season

Add taco seasoning, beans, corn, and salsa. Simmer for a few minutes.

Step 4: Layer casserole

Start with tortillas, then add meat mixture and cheese. Repeat layers.

Step 5: Final layer

Top with tortillas and a generous layer of cheese.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Rest

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Step 8: Serve

Top with sour cream, guacamole, or fresh herbs.

Nutritional Information (approx per serving)

Calories: 400–600 kcal
Protein: 25–35g
Carbohydrates: 35–50g
Fat: 20–30g

Healthier Alternatives

Use lean ground meat
Add extra vegetables (peppers, zucchini)
Use whole wheat tortillas
Reduce cheese slightly
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream

Serving Suggestions

Side salad
Mexican rice
Chips and salsa
Lime wedges
Fresh fruit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too much liquid (soggy layers)
Overfilling layers
Not letting it rest before cutting
Uneven layering
Too many tortillas (dense texture)

Storage Tips

Store in fridge up to 4 days
Reheat in oven or microwave
Freeze up to 2 months
Store in airtight container
Cover when reheating to keep moist