Description
Savor layers of zesty Mexican lasagne, a culinary fusion that blends Italian and Mexican flavors into one mouthwatering dish. Melted cheese, spicy meat, and crisp tortillas create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1.25 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 (14-ounce) can refried pinto beans
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 (7-ounce) can diced green Anaheim chiles
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed or diced tomatoes
Spices, Seasonings, and Cheese:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 2 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups coarsely grated mild cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and thoroughly cook ground meat with seasonings until browned, then transfer to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. Add diced tomatoes, green chiles, and dried oregano, then reduce heat and allow sauce to simmer for 15-20 minutes, developing rich flavors.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly coating with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Create first layer by placing tortillas as a base, spreading a generous layer of refried beans across the surface.
- Distribute the previously cooked seasoned meat evenly over the beans, followed by a substantial covering of prepared tomato sauce.
- Sprinkle a hearty amount of shredded cheese over the sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
- Repeat layering process: tortillas, beans, meat, sauce, and cheese until ingredients are utilized.
- Complete the final layer with remaining tortillas and top with a final cheese layer for a golden, melted finish.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the lasagne for 35 minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling layers to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for a leaner or vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s robust flavor profile.
- Toast tortillas briefly before layering to prevent soggy texture and enhance their structural integrity in the lasagne.
- Drain excess moisture from tomatoes and meat to ensure a rich, thick sauce that doesn’t make the dish watery.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco to add unique regional Mexican cheese complexity.
- Prep Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 572 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 810 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg