If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines the bold, zesty flavors of your favorite taco with the comforting, hearty appeal of lasagna, then I have just the thing for you. This Taco Lasagna Recipe brings together layers of seasoned ground chicken, colorful peppers, black beans, corn, and gooey melted Mexican cheese all wrapped up in soft tortillas and baked until bubbly. It’s like a fiesta on your plate, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends where you want something fun, filling, and downright delicious. Once you’ve tried this unique spin on two classic dishes, Taco Lasagna will quickly become a trusted crowd-pleaser in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping ingredients straightforward but packed with flavor is what makes this Taco Lasagna Recipe so special. From fresh diced peppers that add a pop of color and crunch, to the hearty black beans and fire-roasted tomatoes that bring depth, each item plays a crucial role in building those crave-worthy layers.
- 1 cup green pepper, diced: Adds crunch and a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the richness.
- ½ cup red pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 2 cups frozen corn: Provides bursts of natural sweetness and a pleasing texture.
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish): Brightens flavors with its fresh, citrusy note.
- Jalapeno slices (optional, for serving): Offers a spicy kick if you like things a little hotter.
- Tomato halves (optional, for serving): Adds freshness and a subtle acidity on the side.
- 1 pound ground chicken (or ground beef): The protein base that soaks up the spices perfectly.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil: Helps brown the meat and peppers while enhancing flavor.
- 15 ounces black beans, drained (do not rinse): Adds fiber, earthiness, and body to the filling.
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, drained: Infuses a smoky, garlicky punch that elevates the entire dish.
- ½ cup water: Helps meld the ingredients into a cohesive filling.
- 2 (1-ounce) packets of taco seasoning: The secret spice blend that gives it that beloved taco flavor profile.
- 1 cup salsa: Acts as the flavorful base layer, moistening and adding a tangy kick.
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas: The “noodle” substitute that holds everything together in layers.
- 16-ounce can refried beans: Adds creamy richness and a velvety texture between layers.
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided: Melts beautifully to create gooey, luscious pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Sour cream (optional, for serving): Adds a cool, tangy finish when spooned on top.
How to Make Taco Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Brown Meat
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F, the perfect temperature to get that cheesy topping melted to bubbly perfection. While that heats up, grab a large skillet and heat olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the ground chicken (or beef, if you prefer) along with the diced green and red peppers. Brown everything together until the meat is cooked through and the peppers have softened slightly. This step locks in flavors and sets the foundation for your filling.
Step 2: Make Taco Filling
Once your meat and peppers are nicely browned, it’s time to build the filling’s flavor layers. Stir in the frozen corn, black beans (make sure not to rinse as the liquid adds flavor), and the drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic. Pour in the water and sprinkle the two packets of taco seasoning evenly over the mix. Give it a good stir and let everything cook together for about 3 minutes. This quick simmer lets the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the mixture chunky and vibrant.
Step 3: Layer Lasagna
This is where the magic really happens. Start by spreading the salsa evenly on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish – this moist layer prevents sticking and pumps up the tangy flavor. Next, lay down two tortillas, followed by about one-third of the taco meat mixture, half of the refried beans spooned over it, and one-third of your shredded cheese. Repeat these layers once more to create that satisfying depth of flavors. Finally, top it all with the remaining tortillas, the rest of the meat mixture, and the last bit of cheese. Trust me, those layers will bake into melty, savory bliss.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide your layered masterpiece into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. During this time, the cheese will melt into golden, bubbly goodness, perfectly tying the dish together. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is nicely melted and the edges show hints of crispness. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing—it helps the layers settle for neat servings.
Step 5: Serve
Bring your Taco Lasagna Recipe to the table warm and inviting. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and offer sour cream, jalapeno slices, and tomato halves as delightful accompaniments. This dish is as much about personalizing your plate as it is about enjoying every delicious bite!
How to Serve Taco Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro instantly brightens the dish and adds a lovely herbal contrast. Sour cream provides a cooling creaminess that balances the spices, while sliced jalapenos bring a lively heat for those who crave extra spice. Placing fresh tomato halves alongside lets your guests add a juicy, fresh element that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve the Taco Lasagna Recipe with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette or some zesty Mexican rice. Refried beans or a bowl of guacamole with tortilla chips also complement the flavors beautifully, creating a festive and colorful spread that’s sure to impress.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to mix things up, try assembling the lasagna in individual ramekins or muffin tins for perfectly portioned personal dishes with extra crispy edges. Another fun idea is layering in some sliced avocado between layers for buttery richness, or sprinkling chopped fresh green onions on top just before serving for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Taco Lasagna stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Cover your lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or foil and it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you want a quick meal, just reheat a slice in the microwave or oven and enjoy all those layered flavors all over again.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Wrap individual slices or the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
For reheating, bake the lasagna uncovered at 350°F until warmed through and the cheese bubbles again—usually about 15-20 minutes. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals, checking for temperature to avoid drying it out. Adding a little extra salsa or a dollop of sour cream can revive the creaminess after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground beef works just as well and adds a richer flavor. Feel free to choose based on your preference or what you have on hand. Both options will be delicious in this Taco Lasagna Recipe.
Is it okay to use corn tortillas instead of flour?
You can certainly try, but flour tortillas hold up better under the layers and baking process without drying out or cracking. If you opt for corn, consider warming and softening them beforehand to help maintain flexibility.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply skip the ground meat and add extra beans, vegetables, or even a meat substitute like seasoned tofu or plant-based crumbles. The layering technique and flavors will still shine in this Taco Lasagna Recipe.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The heat level depends mainly on the taco seasoning and jalapeno garnish. You can reduce or omit jalapenos if you prefer milder flavors, and choose a mild taco seasoning packet. Alternatively, amp up the spice by adding hot sauce or extra jalapenos.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Taco Lasagna Recipe makes great leftovers and freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Prepare in advance and enjoy a hearty, flavorful dinner anytime with minimal effort.
Final Thoughts
I honestly cannot recommend this Taco Lasagna Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, bursting with vibrant layers of flavor and perfect for sharing around the table. Whether it becomes your go-to comfort food or your secret weapon for entertaining, this recipe brings excitement and coziness together beautifully. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of this crowd-pleaser—you will not regret it!
Print
Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Taco Lasagna recipe combines the flavors of classic Mexican dishes with the layered goodness of traditional lasagna. Featuring ground chicken, black beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a medley of peppers, it is layered with tortillas, refried beans, salsa, and melted Mexican cheese. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful dinner that serves six.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup green pepper, diced
- ½ cup red pepper, diced
- 2 cups frozen corn
- Cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Jalapeno slices (optional, for serving)
- Tomato halves (optional, for serving)
Protein and Beans
- 1 pound ground chicken (or ground beef)
- 15 ounces black beans, drained (do not rinse)
- 16-ounce can refried beans
Others
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 14.5 ounce can fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, drained
- ½ cup water
- 2 (1-ounce) packets of taco seasoning
- 1 cup salsa
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese, divided
- Sour cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Brown Meat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken along with the diced green and red peppers. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned and the peppers begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make Taco Filling: To the skillet with browned meat and peppers, add the frozen corn, drained black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with garlic, water, and the taco seasoning packets. Stir well to combine all ingredients and cook for an additional 3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Layer Lasagna: Spread a layer of salsa across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Begin layering by placing two tortillas on top of the salsa. Then add one-third of the meat mixture, followed by half of the refried beans, and one-third of the shredded Mexican cheese. Repeat this layering process once more. Finally, top with the remaining tortillas, the last of the meat mixture, and the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Place the assembled taco lasagna in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden around the edges.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with optional sides like sour cream, jalapeno slices, and tomato halves for added freshness and heat.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted for ground chicken for a richer flavor.
- Do not rinse the black beans to retain flavor and nutrients.
- Use flour tortillas as specified for the best texture and layering; corn tortillas may break apart during baking.
- Adjust the amount of taco seasoning based on your spice preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
