Taco lasagna has a way of bringing everyone to the table, and I’ve discovered it’s the ultimate weeknight hero. This recipe takes all those incredible taco flavors we love – savory ground beef, zesty seasoning, and gooey cheese – and layers them between tender tortillas, creating a comfort food dream. It’s so satisfying to whip up this easy taco lasagna, and the aroma that fills my kitchen as it bakes is just heavenly. If you’ve ever wondered how to make taco lasagna that’s both simple and incredibly delicious, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Taco Lasagna
This easy taco lasagna is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:
- The taste is out-of-this-world, with all your favorite taco flavors in every cheesy bite.
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for a quick taco lasagna dinner on busy nights.
- It offers a fantastic, budget-friendly meal option that feeds the whole family without breaking the bank.
- This family-friendly taco lasagna is a hit with kids and adults alike, ensuring happy eaters.
- It’s a truly easy taco lasagna to make, even for beginner cooks.
- The layers of seasoned ground beef, zesty sauce, and melted cheese are pure comfort food perfection.
- It’s a satisfying layered taco casserole that feels special but is simple to assemble.
- This Tex-Mex lasagna recipe brings a fun, Southwestern flair to your dinner table.
Taco Lasagna Ingredients
To create this amazing ground beef taco lasagna, you’ll need these simple ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef – browned and drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning – for that classic flavor
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce – the base of our zesty sauce
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce – adds extra depth
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, undrained – for a little kick
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters – these form the “noodles” in our taco lasagna with tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese – for that essential gooeyness
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – melts beautifully with cheddar
- 1 cup sour cream – adds a creamy, cooling contrast
- 1/2 cup water – to thin the sauce
How to Make Taco Lasagna
Get ready to assemble this flavorful taco lasagna with tortillas! It’s a straightforward process that brings a taste of the Southwest right to your kitchen.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures the lasagna bakes evenly and gets nice and bubbly.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Once it’s nicely browned, drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants a greasy taco lasagna!
- Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning, the 15-ounce can of tomato sauce, the diced green chilies (undrained for that extra flavor!), and 1/2 cup of water. Bring this delicious mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, promising a fantastic meal.
- Step 4: Spread a thin layer of this savory meat mixture on the bottom of your 9×13 inch baking dish. This is the first layer of our amazing taco lasagna with tortillas.
- Step 5: Arrange one-third of the quartered corn tortillas over the meat mixture. They’ll absorb all those wonderful flavors.
- Step 6: Now, layer one-third of the sour cream and one-third of the shredded cheeses (cheddar and Monterey Jack) over the tortillas.
- Step 7: Repeat these layers two more times: meat mixture, tortillas, sour cream, and cheese. Make sure you end with a generous final layer of cheese on top for that perfect, golden-brown crust.
- Step 8: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This helps the lasagna cook through without the cheese burning too quickly.
- Step 9: Bake for 25 minutes.
- Step 10: Carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted, bubbly, and perhaps a little golden around the edges.
- Step 11: Once it’s out of the oven, let this delicious easy taco lasagna stand for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to serve neat portions.
Pro Tips for the Best Taco Lasagna
Want to elevate your taco lasagna game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up:
- For an extra flavorful meat mixture, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely diced jalapeno to the ground beef for a bit of a spicy taco lasagna kick.
- If you can’t find taco seasoning, a simple homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder works wonderfully in this layered taco casserole.
- Letting the assembled lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking is crucial. It allows the layers to settle, making it much easier to cut and serve without it falling apart.
What’s the secret to perfect taco lasagna?
The real secret to a perfect cheesy taco lasagna lies in the layers and not overcooking the tortillas. Ensure each layer of tortillas is well-covered with sauce and cheese to keep them tender, not crunchy. For more tips on achieving perfect layers, check out these easy homemade lasagna tips.
Can I make taco lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire taco lasagna, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I avoid common mistakes with taco lasagna?
A common pitfall is a watery lasagna. Make sure to drain your ground beef thoroughly. You can learn more about proper meat preparation in this guide to making delicious sloppy joe bowls, which also involves browning meat. Also, don’t overstuff the dish; leave a little room at the top so the cheese doesn’t bubble over.
Best Ways to Serve Taco Lasagna
This vibrant taco lasagna is fantastic on its own, but serving it with a few complementary sides really makes it shine. I love to pair it with a simple side salad tossed with a lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a true Tex-Mex lasagna recipe experience, consider serving it alongside some fluffy cilantro-lime rice or some warm, homemade cornbread taco muffins. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top also adds a lovely finishing touch that brings out all the best flavors.
Nutrition Facts for Taco Lasagna
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for this delicious taco lasagna, serving up a fantastic balance of flavors and textures. Each slice of this delightful Mexican lasagna recipe offers a satisfying meal.
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Taco Lasagna
Once your delicious taco lasagna has cooled down, storing it properly is key to enjoying it later. I like to let it sit for about 15-20 minutes after it comes out of the oven. Then, I transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This layered taco casserole will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save it for even longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Then, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick meal, or place larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taco Lasagna
What’s the best way to make taco lasagna flavorful?
For the most flavorful taco lasagna, don’t skimp on the taco seasoning! I also find that adding a bit of chili powder and cumin to the ground beef mixture enhances the flavor profile. Using fresh ingredients for toppings like pico de gallo also makes a big difference. For more flavor inspiration, explore these apple salad recipes which often use fresh ingredients.
Can I use different types of tortillas for taco lasagna?
You certainly can! While corn tortillas are traditional for this Mexican lasagna recipe, flour tortillas also work well, offering a softer texture. Some people even use tortilla chips for a crunchier layer, though it changes the texture significantly. Just ensure they are cut into manageable pieces for layering.
How do I make my taco lasagna less greasy?
The key to a less greasy taco lasagna is to drain the ground beef thoroughly after browning it. You can also opt for a leaner ground beef, like 90/10, if you prefer. Blotting the top with a paper towel after baking can also help absorb any excess fat. For other lean meat options, consider this Mediterranean chicken recipe.
Is taco lasagna similar to a Mexican lasagna recipe?
Yes, taco lasagna is a type of Mexican lasagna recipe, often called a “Mexican lasagna” or “layered taco casserole.” It borrows heavily from traditional lasagna techniques but uses taco-seasoned ground beef and tortillas instead of pasta sheets, bringing a delicious Tex-Mex twist.
Variations of Taco Lasagna You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic taco lasagna, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many ways to customize this dish to your liking.
- Veggie Lovers: Load up on extra veggies like corn, black beans, bell peppers, and zucchini in your meat mixture for a more vibrant dish.
- Spicy Taco Lasagna: For those who like a little heat, amp up the spice by adding chopped jalapenos or serrano peppers to the meat, or using a hotter salsa and a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce. This makes for a wonderfully spicy taco lasagna.
- Slow Cooker Taco Lasagna: Simplify prep even further by cooking the meat mixture in a slow cooker. Layer as usual and bake until bubbly.
- White Chicken Taco Lasagna: Swap the ground beef for shredded chicken and use a creamy white sauce or salsa verde instead of tomato sauce for a delightful twist.

Taco Lasagna: Bold Flavor, Easy Comfort
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This taco lasagna recipe offers a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of tacos in a comforting lasagna bake. It’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. This layered taco casserole is packed with ground beef, cheese, and a zesty taco seasoning, creating a truly cheesy taco lasagna experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies, undrained
- 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, diced green chilies, and water. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Arrange one-third of the tortilla pieces over the meat mixture.
- Layer one-third of the sour cream and one-third of the cheese over the tortillas.
- Repeat the layers two more times, ending with a layer of cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving this easy taco lasagna.
Notes
- For a spicier taco lasagna, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno to the meat mixture.
- You can substitute whole wheat tortillas for corn tortillas in this taco pasta bake.
- If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can make your own using chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- This layered beef and cheese casserole freezes well.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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