Why Make This Recipe

Taco Lasagna is a fun and delicious twist on traditional lasagna. It’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavors that everyone loves. This dish combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisines, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The layers of meat, beans, cheese, and salsa create a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights!

How to Make Taco Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1/2 cup Green onions
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 cup Tomatoes
• 1 can Refried beans
• 1 cup Black olives
• 1 cup Salsa
• 12 Lasagna noodles
• 1 packet Taco seasoning
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese
• 2 cups Mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Sour cream
• 1/2 cup Water

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and taco seasoning to the meat. Stir well.
4. In a separate bowl, combine refried beans, salsa, and water, mixing until smooth.
5. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the bean mixture. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over it.
6. Add half of the meat mixture, half of the chopped tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro. Sprinkle with a third of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
7. Repeat the layers ending with noodles, remaining bean mixture, and cheeses on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, topping with sour cream and black olives.

How to Serve Taco Lasagna

Serve Taco Lasagna hot, straight from the oven. You can cut it into squares and place each serving on a plate. Top with additional sour cream, black olives, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or tortilla chips on the side for crunch.

How to Store Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna can be stored easily. Once it cools to room temperature, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Taco Lasagna

• You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies like bell peppers or corn to boost nutrition and flavor.
• For extra spice, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
• Feel free to adjust the cheese types. Pepper jack or Monterey Jack can add a nice kick!

Variation

To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground beef and replace it with extra beans or lentils. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more texture and nutrients.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble Taco Lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

What can I substitute for refried beans?
You can use black beans or pinto beans instead. Just mash them a bit before mixing them with salsa and water.

Is Taco Lasagna gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that your other ingredients (like salsa and taco seasoning) are gluten-free as well.