Name: Taco Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds lean ground beef; 2 (1.25 ounce) packages taco seasoning mix; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 0.5 cup water; cooking spray; 18 (6 inch) corn tortillas; 1 (24 ounce) jar salsa; 1 cup sliced green onion; 1 (16 ounce) container sour cream; 1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese; 1.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for the heartiness of a classic lasagna crossed with all your favorite taco flavors, Taco Lasagna is about to become your new comfort food obsession. Cheesy, saucy, and wonderfully spiced, this casserole layers zesty beef, zippy salsa, tangy sour cream, and plenty of gooey cheese between tender corn tortillas for a dinner that’s bold, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a meal made for both hectic weeknights and relaxed gatherings with friends—colorful, crave-worthy, and loaded with satisfying textures in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for Taco Lasagna reads like a greatest-hits lineup for lovers of Mexican-inspired cuisine. Each component brings something special to the table—from lively spices and rich ground beef to the oozy cheese and vibrant salsa. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Lean ground beef: Gives the dish its hearty foundation while soaking up taco seasonings beautifully.
Taco seasoning mix: Ready-made spice blends add just the right snap of flavor—two packages ensure robust taco taste.
Minced garlic: Boosts both savoriness and aroma, playing off the meat and spices perfectly.
Chili powder: Layers in a deep, smoky warmth that elevates the savory profile.
Cayenne pepper: For those who love a touch of heat—adjust more or less to preference!
Water: Helps the seasonings melt into the beef for a juicy, even sauce.
Cooking spray: Essential for keeping the tortillas from sticking to your baking dish.
Corn tortillas (6-inch): The magic that transforms these layers into a lasagna—corn offers an earthy, authentic flavor.
Salsa: Adds a tomatoey zing and some chunky texture to every bite. Choose your favorite variety for a custom twist.
Sliced green onion: Lends a fresh, mild onion brightness and a pop of color throughout the dish.
Sour cream: Dolloped throughout, this brings much-needed creaminess and balances out the spice.
Shredded Cheddar cheese: Delivers melt-in-your-mouth richness and classic, sharp flavor.
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Smooth and gooey, this cheese helps the layers unite and adds extra stretch.

How to Make Taco Lasagna

Step 1: Brown and Season the Beef

Start by placing the lean ground beef into a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks, stirring frequently, until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains—this should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain off any excess fat. Now it’s time to build flavor: sprinkle in your taco seasoning packets, minced garlic, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Pour in half a cup of water to help everything meld. Reduce the heat to low and let the beef mixture simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes so the spices really unite with the meat.

Step 2: Prep the Baking Dish

As your flavorful beef simmers away, preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Next, generously coat the bottom of your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This important step ensures your Taco Lasagna layers will lift cleanly and won’t stick, leaving you with perfect, scoopable squares every time.

Step 3: Start Layering the Taco Lasagna

Lay 6 corn tortillas across the bottom of your prepared baking dish, overlapping them as needed to create a base. Spread one-third of your salsa evenly over the tortillas, providing a saucy, flavorful start. Next, spoon half of your spiced beef mixture over the salsa, using a spatula to spread it in a generous, even layer. Scatter half of your sliced green onions on top for a burst of fresh flavor, then drop spoonfuls of half the sour cream over the onions. Finally, sprinkle with 1/2 cup each of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, setting the stage for all that glorious melty goodness.

Step 4: Repeat the Layers

Building on that momentum, repeat the layers: another 6 tortillas, another third of the salsa, the remaining beef, green onions, and sour cream, followed by another 1/2 cup each of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. As you stack, the fragrance in your kitchen is going to be irresistible!

Step 5: Finish with Tortillas and Cheese

Top your masterpiece with the last 6 tortillas, then slather on the remaining salsa. Finish by showering the rest of your Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses across the very top. This final layer is where all those cheesy bubbles and golden edges will form as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Slide your assembled Taco Lasagna into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes, until the cheese is delightfully melted and golden brown, and the sides are bubbling with tantalizing aroma. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing—that way, your layers will hold together beautifully when served.

How to Serve Taco Lasagna

Garnishes

To bring your Taco Lasagna to life, sprinkle it with extra sliced green onions, a handful of chopped fresh cilantro, or even diced tomatoes before serving. A dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips bring color, texture, and flair that make each serving look extra special.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole pairs brilliantly with sides like crisp shredded lettuce, zesty black bean salad, or fluffy cilantro lime rice. For a fresh counterpoint, try serving with avocado slices or a scoop of homemade guacamole—these add creaminess and a cooling effect next to the warm, spiced layers.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve Taco Lasagna in wedges over a bed of seasoned greens, or portion it out in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. If you’re feeding a crowd, cut it small and offer as part of a taco-themed sampler buffet—watch those slices disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Taco Lasagna keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Once the casserole has cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or transfer portions to airtight containers. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, making for phenomenal lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

This dish is a champion for make-ahead meal planning! Let your fully baked Taco Lasagna cool completely, then wrap it well with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze whole or in individual servings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 350 degrees F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes (longer if reheating from frozen). For single portions, the microwave works great—just heat in 60-second bursts until piping hot, and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?

Absolutely! Flour tortillas give the Taco Lasagna a softer, chewier texture. They soak up the savory juices beautifully—just know that corn tortillas offer a traditional, slightly firmer base with a wonderful earthy flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat is moderate, thanks to the taco seasoning, chili powder, and cayenne. If you love things spicy, add extra cayenne or use a hot salsa. For a milder version, use mild taco seasoning and skip the cayenne pepper.

Can I make Taco Lasagna vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground alternative. The flavors and layering process stay the same, so you’ll still enjoy all the classic Taco Lasagna vibes.

What’s the best way to cut and serve?

Use a sharp knife to slice the lasagna after it’s rested for at least 10 minutes. This lets the layers set so you get tidy squares. A spatula helps lift the pieces without them falling apart.

Can Taco Lasagna be made ahead of time?

Definitely! You can fully assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, bake as directed—just add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the chilled start.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that combines the very best of tacos and lasagna, this Taco Lasagna is sure to win your heart—and maybe even become a new family tradition. Cozy, bold, and bursting with layers of flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and watch your dinner table light up with excitement!

Taco Lasagna Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Taco Lasagna is a delicious fusion dish that combines the flavors of tacos with the comforting layers of lasagna. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering.

Instructions

Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Add taco seasoning, garlic, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir in water, simmer for 10 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer the Lasagna: Place 6 tortillas in the dish. Spread 1/3 of salsa, half of the meat, half of green onions, half of sour cream, half of Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layers. Top with tortillas, remaining salsa, and cheese.
Bake: Bake for 30-45 minutes until golden and bubbly.