If you love the bold flavors of tacos but crave something with a comforting, layered twist, this Taco Lasagna Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Combining all the best elements of taco night—seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and plenty of melty cheese—stacked between soft tortillas, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a fiesta of textures and tastes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both hearty and fresh, perfect for any night when you want a little Tex-Mex magic with a cozy lasagna vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Taco Lasagna Recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Each item plays a special role, from the rich ground beef that brings savory depth to the sweet burst of corn and the creamy, cheesy topping that ties it all together into one irresistible dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty backbone, offering rich flavor and protein to the dish.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps build the flavor base.
- 1 packet taco seasoning: Infuses the beef with that classic bold taco spice blend.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps the seasoning distribute evenly and melds the flavors.
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds fiber, texture, and a creamy contrast to the meat.
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed: Brings a pop of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 cups salsa (your preferred heat level): Packed with tomatoes and spices, it keeps the layers moist and flavorful.
- 6 flour tortillas (8-inch size): The sturdy yet soft layers that hold the dish together perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend: Creates that gooey, melty, golden top and luscious layers inside.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for serving): Adds a cool tang when served—totally worth having on hand.
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise with fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Taco Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Grease
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple preparation step ensures your taco lasagna won’t stick and will come out with those beautiful layers intact.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef while adding the chopped onion. Cooking them together infuses the meat with a subtle sweetness and aroma, which is essential for the deep flavor you want in this Taco Lasagna Recipe. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy.
Step 3: Add Seasoning and Water
Next, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step thickens the mixture and allows those vibrant spices to permeate every bite, giving the dish that unmistakable taco essence.
Step 4: Incorporate Beans, Corn, and Salsa
Stir in the rinsed black beans, thawed corn, and 1 cup of your favorite salsa. Cooking this for an additional 2 minutes melds all the flavors and adds exciting texture contrast that prevents this Taco Lasagna Recipe from ever feeling dull.
Step 5: Layer the First Round
Lay 2 tortillas on the bottom of your prepared baking dish, trimming if needed to fit snugly. Spread one-third of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one-third of the cheese. This layering method is what sets this dish apart—each bite is a perfect harmony of components.
Step 6: Repeat Layers
Repeat the tortilla, meat mixture, and cheese layering two more times. This triple-layer approach not only builds height but transforms simple ingredients into a stunning display of Tex-Mex deliciousness.
Step 7: Bake Covered and Then Uncovered
Cover the baking dish with foil to keep moisture locked during the initial baking stage of 20 minutes. Remove the foil afterward and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes to get that irresistible bubbly, melted cheese topping that signals your Taco Lasagna Recipe is ready.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Serve
Patience is key! Let the lasagna rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps everything settle, making each slice cleaner and easier to serve. Finish off with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions for that final pop of flavor and color.
How to Serve Taco Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of cool sour cream or a scattering of freshly chopped cilantro or green onions elevates the taco lasagna with creamy brightness and herbaceous lift. These garnishes not only add visual appeal but refresh your palate with every bite.
Side Dishes
Think vibrant Mexican street corn salad, a crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette, or even crunchy tortilla chips with guacamole. These sides provide a variety of textures and flavors that enhance the layered richness of this Taco Lasagna Recipe without competing with it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins or even try setting up a taco lasagna bar where guests can add their preferred toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices. Presentation is all about making the experience as festive as the flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, your leftover taco lasagna can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are just as tasty as day one, if not better!
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or use a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual slices on medium power, but baking retains the best texture and flavor reminiscent of when it was freshly made.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well in this Taco Lasagna Recipe without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of salsa is best to use?
Pick a salsa that suits your spice preference—mild, medium, or hot. Chunky salsas add more texture, but smooth varieties blend in nicely too.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free corn or flour tortillas to suit a gluten-free diet.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the ground beef with extra beans, veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms, or a meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian Taco Lasagna Recipe.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe serves about 6 generous portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Lasagna Recipe is one of those standout dishes that you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It takes the beloved flavors of tacos and layers them into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s perfect for casual weeknights or festive gatherings. Whip it up, share it, and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite!
Print
Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Description
This Taco Lasagna recipe combines the savory flavors of seasoned ground beef, black beans, and corn layered between warm flour tortillas and topped with melted Mexican cheese. Baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a flavorful twist on traditional lasagna with a Tex-Mex flair, perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 2 cups salsa (your preferred heat level)
- 6 flour tortillas (8-inch size)
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Optional for Serving & Garnish
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion becomes soft. Drain excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Add Seasoning and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water, then simmer the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, enhancing the flavor.
- Include Beans, Corn, and Salsa: Mix in the black beans, thawed corn, and 1 cup of salsa. Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove the skillet from heat to stop cooking.
- Layer Tortillas and Mixture: Place 2 tortillas in the bottom of the prepared baking dish (cut to fit if needed). Spread one-third of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with one-third of the shredded cheese.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat layering twice more — tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese — to build three layers total.
- Bake Covered and Uncovered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the taco lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes to set before slicing. Serve with optional sour cream and garnish with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the salsa heat level to your preference for mild or spicy.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and veggies.
- To save time, use pre-chopped onions or pre-seasoned taco meat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but note the size differences may affect layering.
