Cheesy Mexican Lasagna with Seasoned Beef Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To elevate the flavors of this simple casserole, consider adding extra layers of texture and taste between the tortillas. Scattering diced green chiles, sliced black olives, or pickled jalapeños over the beef layers adds a wonderful contrast.

For an even creamier profile, spread a thin layer of sour cream or cream cheese directly onto the tortillas before adding the refried beans. These simple additions customize the dish to suit various preferences without altering the cooking time or basic assembly method.

Allowing the lasagna to rest for ten to fifteen minutes after removing it from the oven is crucial for clean slicing. This brief resting period lets the melted cheese firm up slightly and allows the tortillas to absorb any remaining moisture.

Use a sharp, heavy chef's knife to cut clean squares, and use a wide spatula to lift each slice carefully from the baking dish. This ensures that the beautiful, distinct layers remain intact when served on the plate.

Variations

• Spicy Jalapeno: Add sliced fresh or pickled jalapenos between the beef and cheese layers for a fiery kick.
• Vegetarian Bean and Corn: Swap the ground beef for a mixture of black beans, sweet corn, and diced bell peppers seasoned with taco spices.
• Chicken and Green Chile: Use shredded cooked chicken breast and salsa verde instead of ground beef and refried beans for a lighter variation.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, cooling within 2 hours of baking.

Freezer

Freeze baked or unbaked lasagna tightly wrapped in foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheat

Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.

Store any leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and safety. Leftovers keep well for up to four days. If storing directly in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This dish reheats beautifully, as the flavors continue to develop and meld together overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious, if not more so, than the freshly baked meal.

This Mexican lasagna is an excellent candidate for make-ahead meals. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to twenty-four hours before baking.

When ready to cook, remove the plastic wrap, cover the dish with aluminum foil, and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for fifteen minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional fifteen to twenty minutes until hot and bubbly.

Serving ideas

Serve this hearty lasagna hot, sliced into generous squares. To complement the rich, savory layers, offer a variety of fresh toppings at the table so everyone can customize their plate.

Cool sour cream, fresh guacamole, and a vibrant tomato salsa or pico de gallo provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, cheesy casserole. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice add a bright, herbaceous lift that balances the deep flavors of the beef and beans.

To round out the meal, pair each slice with a simple, crunch-filled side dish. A light green salad tossed with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette or a simple cabbage slaw provides a refreshing crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese. Grilled corn on the cob or a side of Mexican-style rice also makes an excellent accompaniment, creating a complete, satisfying dinner spread that is perfect for casual entertaining or everyday family meals.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Cheesy Mexican Lasagna with Seasoned Beef

Prep 15 minCook 25 minRest 10 minTotal 50 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 oz taco seasoning
• 15 oz refried beans
• 8 flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is completely browned and no longer pink.
2. Stir the taco seasoning into the browned beef. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the beef in its own juices with the seasoning until thoroughly coated and fragrant, ensuring the beef reaches a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of flour tortillas at the bottom of the dish, cutting them if necessary to fit. Spread half of the refried beans evenly over the tortillas.
4. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef over the refried beans, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded Mexican cheese blend. Repeat the layers, starting with tortillas, followed by the remaining refried beans, remaining beef, and another third of the cheese. Finish with a final layer of tortillas and the remaining cheese on top.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

505

Protein

26 g

Carbohydrates

44 g

Fat

25 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.