Tortilla Lasagna Recipe

Tortilla lasagna is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, blending the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with the layered structure of lasagna. Instead of pasta, we use soft tortillas layered with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and salsa, creating a mouthwatering meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion softens.
3. Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning along with the diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and salsa. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Tortilla Lasagna

1. Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Ingredients:
   • Place a tortilla at the bottom of the baking dish, covering the surface.
   • Spread a portion of the beef mixture over the tortilla, then sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.
   • Repeat the process, layering tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese, until you’ve used up all the tortillas and filling. Finish with a generous layer of cheese on the top.

Step 3: Bake the Lasagna

1. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.

Step 4: Serve

1. Remove the tortilla lasagna from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Slice into squares and serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or jalapeños.

Tips for the Perfect Tortilla Lasagna

• Customize the Filling: You can easily swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even make a vegetarian version with more beans and veggies.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends, like Pepper Jack for extra spice or a mixture of cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey texture.
• Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and follow the same instructions.

Variations

1. Chicken Tortilla Lasagna

Substitute the ground beef with shredded or diced cooked chicken for a lighter option. A rotisserie chicken works well for a quick and easy substitute.

2. Vegetarian Tortilla Lasagna

Leave out the meat and add more beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, and load up on veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version.

3. Spicy Tortilla Lasagna

Turn up the heat by using spicy salsa, jalapeños, and a spicy taco seasoning. You can also add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for extra spice.

Serving Suggestions

• Mexican Rice: Serve with a side of Mexican rice to make it a complete meal.
• Guacamole: A bowl of fresh guacamole is always a welcome addition alongside this dish.
• Chips and Salsa: Keep it simple with a side of tortilla chips and salsa for dipping.

FAQs

1. Can I make tortilla lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it as directed. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

3. Can I freeze tortilla lasagna?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

4. What other toppings can I add?

You can top your tortilla lasagna with pico de gallo, chopped green onions, black olives, or shredded lettuce to add more flavor and texture.

5. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas will work just as well, but they tend to be smaller, so you may need to overlap them more to cover the layers.

Conclusion

This Tortilla Lasagna is a fun, flavorful fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines that’s sure to become a family favorite. With layers of seasoned beef, beans, and cheese all wrapped in soft tortillas, it’s a comforting meal that can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this recipe will not disappoint!

Yield: 6-8

Tortilla Lasagna Recipe

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Tortilla lasagna is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, blending the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with the layered structure of lasagna. Instead of pasta, we use soft tortillas layered with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheese, and salsa, creating a mouthwatering meal perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 (15 oz) can enchilada sauce (or salsa)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
• 6 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup sour cream (optional)
• 1 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the meat is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess fat.

Stir in the taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes, until everything is well mixed and heated through.

2. Assemble the Tortilla Lasagna:

Spread a small amount of enchilada sauce (or salsa) in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Lay 2 tortillas at the bottom of the dish, overlapping them slightly to cover the base.

Spread 1/3 of the meat mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers two more times: tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese, ending with cheese on top.

3. Bake:

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

4. Serve:

Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Top with optional sour cream, black olives, fresh cilantro, and jalapeños, if desired.

Notes

Protein Options: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed vegetables or tofu.

Custom Sauce: If you prefer a spicier dish, use salsa verde or add chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture. You can also swap the enchilada sauce for a spicier version.

Make-Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving. Refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking, or freeze it for up to 3 months.