Taco Lasagna Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible fusion of comfort food and vibrant, zesty flavor, look no further than this Taco Lasagna Recipe! Imagine all the things you love about classic tacos—seasoned beef, melty cheese, hearty beans, and bright, punchy salsa—layered together in a bubbly, golden bake. This crowd-pleaser is equal parts effortless weeknight staple and celebration-worthy centerpiece, delivering layer upon layer of wow factor in every delicious slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for this Taco Lasagna Recipe couldn’t be easier! Each one is thoughtfully chosen to bring bold flavor, melting goodness, and colorful flair, making every layer special. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground beef: The flavorful, savory base for our filling—ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter twist.
- Taco seasoning mix: Adds the essential zesty kick—choose your favorite store brand or homemade blend!
- Water: Helps the seasoning coat the meat and keeps everything juicy.
- Black beans: Offer hearty texture and earthy depth, plus a burst of fiber.
- Corn kernels: Lend sweetness and a pop of sunny color—fresh, frozen, or canned all work beautifully.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Bring tang and gentle heat for classic Southwestern flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and crowd-pleasing—your cheesy stratum number one.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds richness and that irresistible stretch—blend it with cheddar for next-level gooeyness.
- Flour tortillas (or corn for gluten-free): Perfect for layering! They soak up all the saucy goodness while holding the stack together.
- Salsa: Brings juiciness to the casserole and adds bursts of flavor throughout.
- Chopped green onions, sour cream, chopped cilantro (optional): The ultimate garnish trio—fresh, creamy, and herbaceous.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple but essential for rounding out all the flavors.
How to Make Taco Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Sauté and Season the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning the ground beef until it’s cooked through and crumbly. Once browned, drain off any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from getting greasy. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning mix, add your water, and let it simmer for a couple minutes. Watch as the meat transforms into that familiar, taco-night aroma, thickening up nicely as it absorbs all the spices.
Step 2: Add Beans, Corn, and Tomatoes
Toss the black beans, corn kernels, and drained diced tomatoes with green chilies right into the skillet. Stir well so every scoop is brimming with a hearty mix of protein, sweetness, and gentle heat. This medley is what sets Taco Lasagna Recipe apart from your standard taco night—it’s your filling, but heartier and even more flavorful!
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread just enough salsa on the bottom to keep things from sticking. Lay down two tortillas to cover the base, then scoop on a third of the meat-and-veggie mixture, followed by generous handfuls of both shredded cheeses. Repeat the layers twice more, finishing with a final layer of tortillas, a sweep of salsa, and the remaining cheese to ensure a golden, bubbly finish.
Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Cover with foil and bake in your preheated 375°F oven for 20 minutes so the flavors can meld and the cheese starts to melt. Then, remove the foil and let it bake another 10 minutes uncovered. This is where the magic happens—the cheese gets gloriously golden and you’ll see little bubbles popping up along the edge.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Remove your Taco Lasagna Recipe from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This lets the layers settle, so every portion is picture-perfect. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, dollops of sour cream, and chopped cilantro for a fresh, colorful finish. Now you’re ready to slice into those mouthwatering, cheesy layers!
How to Serve Taco Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes
The right finishing touches can really make your Taco Lasagna Recipe sing! Pile on a sprinkle of fresh green onions for mild bite and a dash of cilantro for herbaceous lift. A generous dollop of sour cream is classic, providing cool contrast to the spicy, cheesy layers. For extra pizzazz, scatter on some diced avocado, sliced radishes, or even pickled jalapeños for a hit of heat and crunch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is certainly hearty, but pairing it with a zesty side can make your meal memorable. Think crisp romaine salad tossed with lime vinaigrette, creamy guacamole with tortilla chips, or smoky black bean and corn salad. A bowl of Mexican rice or some sautéed peppers and onions will round out those Tex-Mex vibes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive flair, serve each slice atop a bed of shredded lettuce or inside individual ramekins for a personal twist. Garnish plates with colorful lime wedges, fresh pico de gallo, or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. If you’re hosting, make a taco bar with mini toppings so everyone can build their top layer just how they like—fun and interactive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Lasagna Recipe keeps in the fridge like a dream! Simply transfer cooled, leftover portions to an airtight container. They’ll happily stay fresh and tasty for up to four days, maintaining their texture and flavor, so you can enjoy a quick lunch or another busy-night dinner with zero fuss.
Freezing
If you’d like to make it further ahead, Taco Lasagna Recipe is freezer-friendly. Assemble everything up until baking, then wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—super convenient for those gotta-have-it comfort food days!
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to bubbling, cheesy perfection, reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or pop the baking dish back into a 350°F oven (covered with foil) until hot throughout. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to brighten up every serving.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas are a fantastic gluten-free option and they offer a subtle sweetness with a slightly firmer texture, which holds up well through baking. Just layer as you would with flour tortillas and enjoy the delicious results.
Is it possible to make Taco Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based alternative, or use a hearty vegetable blend like roasted sweet potatoes and zucchini. The beans, corn, and tomatoes already pack in lots of substance, so you won’t miss a thing.
Can I make Taco Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. Go ahead and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed—an easy entertaining solution or make-ahead meal for busy nights.
What other cheeses work in this recipe?
Plenty! Pepper Jack adds a kick, mozzarella brings extra meltiness, or a Mexican blend works perfectly. Use your favorites and play around to create your personal signature flavor.
How do I prevent soggy layers?
Avoid overloading your layers with liquid and be sure to drain canned beans and tomatoes well. Letting the lasagna rest after baking allows everything to set and makes serving much neater.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Lasagna Recipe is pure joyful comfort on a plate—easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner but exciting enough to share at your next family gathering. With layers of savory meat, creamy cheese, and vibrant veggies, there’s truly something for everyone. Give it a try soon… your taste buds (and your kitchen crew) will thank you!
Print
Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Lasagna recipe combines the flavors of traditional tacos with the layered goodness of lasagna. It’s a cheesy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering with friends.
Ingredients
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix
- 2/3 cup water
Other Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn for gluten-free option)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- Chopped green onions, sour cream, and chopped cilantro for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Season the meat: Stir in the taco seasoning and water; simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
- Combine ingredients: Add the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes to the skillet, and stir until combined.
- Layer the lasagna: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer tortillas, meat mixture, and cheeses, repeating the layers. Finish with a final layer of tortillas, salsa, and cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and garnish: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with green onions, sour cream, and cilantro if desired.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg