Tex-Mex Lasagna
A fun and flavorful twist on a classic, this Tex-Mex Lasagna layers seasoned ground beef, zesty enchilada sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta. It's the ultimate comfort food mashup, perfect for a family dinner that everyone will love.
For 8 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
- a.Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 2
While the noodles cook, prepare the meat sauce
- a.Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet
- a.Break it up with a spoon and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add the drained black beans and corn. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 4
Step 4
- a.In a medium bowl, prepare the cheese layer by mixing the ricotta cheese, lightly beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro until well combined.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Assemble the lasagna in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- b.Spread about 1 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- c.Arrange a single layer of noodles (usually 3-4) over the sauce.
- d.Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles.
- e.Sprinkle with 1 cup of the shredded Mexican cheese blend.
- f.Repeat the layers: 1/3 of the remaining meat sauce, noodles, the rest of the ricotta mixture, and another cup of cheese.
- g.Finish with a final layer of noodles, the last of the meat sauce, and the remaining 2 cups of shredded cheese on top.
- 6
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil
- a.Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- 7
Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing
- a.This is crucial for allowing the layers to set for cleaner slices. Garnish with extra fresh cilantro before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For cleaner slices, let the lasagna rest for at least 15 minutes before cutting. It allows the layers to set properly.
- 2Using freshly shredded cheese from a block will result in a smoother, creamier melt compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- 3Don't overcook the lasagna noodles initially; they will continue to cook in the oven. Cook them just until al dente.
- 4This lasagna freezes beautifully. Assemble it completely, but don't bake. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.
- 5Serve with your favorite Tex-Mex toppings like sour cream, sliced jalapeños, avocado, or a dollop of guacamole.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat substitute, or use an extra can of black beans and a can of pinto beans, mashed slightly.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add one or two minced jalapeños or a serrano pepper along with the onion and bell pepper. You can also use a 'hot' variety of enchilada sauce.
Different MeatDifferent Meat
Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Noodle FreeNoodle-Free
For a gluten-free version, replace the lasagna noodles with layers of corn tortillas. This will create a dish similar to a stacked enchilada casserole.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Protein
With significant amounts of protein from ground beef, beans, and cheese, this dish helps support muscle repair, growth, and overall satiety.
Source of Fiber
The inclusion of black beans and corn provides a good source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
Rich in Lycopene
The tomato-based enchilada sauce and diced tomatoes are excellent sources of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases.
Frequently asked questions
A typical serving of this Tex-Mex Lasagna contains approximately 650-750 calories. The exact number can vary based on the specific ingredients used, such as the fat content of the ground beef and cheese.