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30-Minute Simple Mexican Lasagna

30-Minute Simple Mexican Lasagna

30-Minute Simple Mexican Lasagna is a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing dish featuring layers of seasoned ground beef or turkey, refried beans, zesty salsa, and a cheesy blend stacked between soft corn tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe delivers classic Mexican flavors with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Beans

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup refried beans

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tbsp)

Dairy

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Other

  • 810 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup Mexican-style salsa
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, then simmer until the mixture thickens slightly and the flavors meld perfectly.
  2. Warm and prep tortillas: Lightly heat small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable and prevent cracking when layering your lasagna. This helps with perfect stacking and a tender bite.
  3. Assemble the layers: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on the bottom of your baking dish for creaminess. Add a layer of tortillas, followed by the cooked meat mixture, a spoonful of salsa, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process two to three times, finishing with cheese on top for a melty crust.
  4. Bake until bubbly and golden: Place the assembled lasagna in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. This quick baking locks in flavors and creates the perfect gooey texture.
  5. Garnish and serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before slicing, then garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or sliced avocado to add bright freshness and enhance the presentation.

Notes

  • Use pre-shredded cheese to save prep time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Don’t skip warming the tortillas to prevent cracking and help the layers meld smoothly.
  • Store-bought taco seasoning is a quick shortcut; homemade seasoning works for personalized spice levels.
  • Let the lasagna rest before cutting to allow layers to set for cleaner slices.
  • Doubling the recipe works well for leftovers or feeding a crowd.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mexican lasagna, quick dinner, ground beef recipe, easy Mexican recipe, weeknight meal, layered casserole, refried beans, cheesy Mexican casserole