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Taco Lasagna Recipe

Taco Lasagna Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
Discover the ultimate Taco Lasagna Recipe – a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian flavors, perfect for family dinners, meal prep, and gatherings!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican-Italian
Servings 8 People
Calories 410 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ pounds ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 packet 1 oz. taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning)
  • 8 –10 flour tortillas 8-inch size
  • 2 cups tomato sauce enchilada sauce, or salsa
  • 3 –4 cups shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • Optional:

    - 1 can black beans or refried beans

    - 1 cup diced tomatoes

    - Jalapeños, sliced (fresh or pickled)

    - Diced green chiles

    - Fresh cilantro, chopped

    - Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)

    - Guacamole or diced avocado (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

  • Read the Recipe Thoroughly: Before turning on the stove, make sure you’ve read through the instructions. This helps you anticipate cooking times, layering processes, and any additional steps or garnishes.
  • Measure and Chop: Chop your onion, mince your garlic, measure out your taco seasoning, and shred your cheese. Having everything prepped makes the assembly smoother.

Step 2: Cook the Meat (or Prepare the Vegetarian Filling)

  • Preheat a Skillet: Place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of oil.
  • Sauté Onions and Garlic: Once the oil is hot, add chopped onions. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until translucent. Then, stir in minced garlic for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
  • Brown the Meat: If using ground beef, turkey, or chicken, add it into the skillet. Break up any clumps with a wooden spoon and cook until the meat is no longer pink, usually about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  • Add Taco Seasoning: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat. Stir to coat well. If using a seasoning packet, follow the instructions for adding water (often ½ to ¾ cup), then let the mixture simmer until thickened. If you’re using a vegetarian alternative with beans and vegetables, sauté them until tender and season them the same way.
  • Taste and Adjust: Sample the seasoned filling. Add salt, pepper, or additional spices like chili flakes if you want a bit more heat. Once you’re satisfied, set the pan aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly Grease the Baking Dish: Use a bit of cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
  • Layer 1 (Sauce + Tortillas): Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (or enchilada sauce, salsa) at the bottom of the dish. This helps the tortillas stay in place and absorb flavor. Place your first layer of tortillas over the sauce, making sure they cover most of the surface. It’s okay if they overlap or you need to tear one in half to fit.
  • Layer 2 (Meat + Beans): Spoon half of your cooked meat (or vegetarian filling) over the tortillas. If you’re including beans, this is a great time to add a layer of black beans or refried beans. Spread them evenly.
  • Layer 3 (Cheese): Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top. A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is perfect to achieve that classic “taco” flavor.
  • Repeat: Add another layer of sauce, tortillas, the remainder of the meat, and cheese. You can incorporate diced tomatoes, diced jalapeños, or green chiles at this stage for extra flavor.
  • Top Layer: Finish with a final layer of tortillas, a spread of sauce, and a hefty sprinkling of cheese to seal the deal.

Step 4: Bake the Taco Lasagna

  • Cover with Foil: To prevent the cheese from burning, loosely cover your dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake Time: Place it in the preheated oven and bake for about 20–25 minutes.
  • Uncover and Broil (Optional): Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is thoroughly melted and lightly golden. If you want a bubbly crust, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

  • Let It Rest: Remove your dish from the oven and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. This resting period allows the layers to set and makes slicing much easier.
  • Top It Off: Garnish with chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or scallions. You can also add dollops of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or guacamole.
  • Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut squares, and serve each slice with your favorite sides or condiments.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 22g
 
Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.