Taco lasagna combines two beloved comfort foods into one spectacular dish that willTaco Lasagna Recipe have your family asking for seconds. This Mexican-Italian fusion creates layers of seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender pasta that deliver all the flavors you love about tacos in an easy-to-serve casserole format. Whether you’re hosting a potluck dinner, feeding a hungry crowd, or simply want to shake up your weeknight meal routine, this taco lasagna recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
What Makes Taco Lasagna Special?
Taco lasagna takes the best elements of traditional Mexican tacos and transforms them into a hearty, layered casserole. Unlike regular lasagna that uses ricotta and marinara sauce, this fusion dish features seasoned ground beef, salsa, Mexican cheese blends, and often includes ingredients like black beans, corn, and jalapeños. The result is a dish that’s easier to make than traditional lasagna but delivers even more exciting flavors.
This recipe serves 8-10 people generously, making it perfect for family gatherings, meal prep, or entertaining. The leftovers reheat beautifully, and you can even freeze portions for future meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meat Layer:
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend works best)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup frozen corn kernels
- 1 jar (16 oz) chunky salsa
- 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
For Assembly:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 1 additional cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
- Additional sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, a large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking the meat mixture, and a large pot for boiling pasta (if using regular noodles). Having a good cheese grater and sharp knife will make prep work much easier.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions until just al dente (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside. If using no-boil noodles, skip this step entirely.
Step 3: Create the Meat Mixture
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 8-10 minutes). The meat should have no pink remaining.
Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Drain excess fat if needed, then add the taco seasoning, tomato paste, cumin, and smoked paprika. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
Add the salsa, black beans, corn, and diced green chiles. Simmer the mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the mixture has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream and eggs, beating until well combined. Fold in 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend, the sharp cheddar cheese, chopped cilantro, and sliced green onions. Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking.
Place 4 lasagna noodles over the meat layer, overlapping slightly if needed to cover the bottom.
Spread half of the remaining meat mixture over the noodles, then dollop half of the cheese mixture over the meat. Gently spread the cheese mixture without disturbing the meat layer too much.
Repeat with another layer of 4 noodles, the remaining meat mixture, and the remaining cheese mixture.
Top with the final 4 noodles, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Mexican cheese blend and the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Cover the lasagna tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly, and the edges are slightly crispy.
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting. This resting period allows the layers to set up properly, making it much easier to slice and serve.
Pro Tips for Success
Choose the Right Ground Beef: An 80/20 fat ratio provides the best flavor and moisture without making the dish greasy. Leaner beef can result in a dry lasagna.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Those 10-15 minutes of resting are crucial. The lasagna will be much easier to cut and serve, and the flavors will have time to meld together.
Layer Strategically: When spreading the cheese mixture, use a offset spatula or the back of a spoon to gently distribute it without disturbing the meat layer underneath.
Prevent Soggy Bottom: That initial thin layer of meat mixture creates a barrier that prevents the bottom noodles from becoming soggy.
Test for Doneness: The lasagna is ready when a knife inserted in the center comes out hot and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This taco lasagna is excellent for meal prep. You can assemble it completely up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate covered. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered cooking time since you’re starting with a cold dish.
For longer storage, wrap the assembled (unbaked) lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Leftover cooked lasagna keeps in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or cover and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Customization Options
Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of diced bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini, or use plant-based ground meat substitute.
Spice Level: Adjust heat by using mild, medium, or hot salsa, and add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
Additional Vegetables: Layer in roasted bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or spinach between the layers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cheese Variations: Try pepper jack for extra heat, or add some queso fresco for authentic Mexican flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
While this is definitely a comfort food, taco lasagna does provide substantial protein from the beef and cheese, plus fiber from the black beans and corn. The dish contains approximately 450 calories per serving when cut into 10 portions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your taco lasagna with fresh toppings that echo traditional taco garnishes. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette, Mexican street corn, or cilantro-lime rice makes excellent accompaniments. For beverages, consider agua frescas, Mexican beer, or a refreshing lime sparkling water.
Final Thoughts
This taco lasagna recipe creates a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, combining the comfort of lasagna with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. The recipe serves a crowd, reheats beautifully, and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a new family dinner idea or a show-stopping dish for your next gathering, this fusion favorite delivers on all fronts.
The key to success lies in building flavorful layers and allowing proper resting time before serving. With its perfect balance of seasoned meat, creamy cheese, and satisfying pasta, this taco lasagna will quickly become a requested favorite in your recipe collection.
