Taco Lasagna This Taco Lasagna combines the flavors of tacos with the layers of a classic lasagna, making it a hearty, family-friendly meal that everyone will love. It’s also super customizable, so feel free to add or adjust ingredients to suit your tastes. The key is layering all the taco essentials—ground beef, refried beans, rice, cheese, and tortillas—into a comforting, cheesy casserole. Here’s a more detailed breakdown to guide you through the process.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef: Use lean ground beef (80/20) for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or about 2-3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning): This is what gives the beef its signature taco flavor.
- 2 cups cooked rice: Regular white rice, Mexican rice, or Spanish rice will work great here. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- 1 can (15 oz) refried beans: Pinto beans are commonly used, but black bean refried beans will give it a different flavor if you prefer.
- Chopped lettuce: For the topping! It adds crunch and freshness after baking.
- Taco sauce: About 1/2 to 3/4 cup, or to taste. You can use mild or hot, depending on your preference.
- Sour cream: For adding creaminess on top once it’s baked.
- Shredded cheese: Use 2 cups of Mexican blend cheese, sharp cheddar, or a combination of both. You’ll need more cheese to layer throughout the lasagna and a generous amount for the top.
- Tortillas: You’ll need about 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas if you prefer). Corn tortillas give a more traditional taco feel but can break more easily, so flour tortillas are often better for lasagna-style layering.
Optional:
- Additional toppings: Salsa, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, guacamole, or cilantro for extra flavor.
- Olives: Sliced black olives can be added to the layers for more texture and flavor.
Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula as it browns. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.
- After the beef is fully browned (about 5-7 minutes), drain any excess fat from the pan. This step is important because it prevents the lasagna from being too greasy.
- Season the beef: Sprinkle the taco seasoning evenly over the meat. Add a splash of water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to help the seasoning dissolve and coat the beef evenly. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the beef is well-seasoned and the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Cook the Rice:
- While the beef is cooking, prepare your rice according to the package directions. If you’re using plain white rice, cook it in a pot with a pinch of salt for flavor. For added authenticity, try using Mexican rice or Spanish rice.
- Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
3. Heat the Refried Beans:
- In a small saucepan, heat the refried beans over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, and if the beans are too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen them up. Once heated through, remove from the heat and set aside.
4. Assemble the Taco Lasagna:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- First Layer – Tortillas: Place tortillas in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish, covering the entire base. You may need to overlap the edges to cover the whole surface.
- Second Layer – Beef: Spoon half of the ground beef mixture over the tortillas, spreading it evenly.
- Third Layer – Refried Beans: Next, add a layer of the refried beans. You can spread them out in a thin, even layer over the beef.
- Fourth Layer – Rice: Spoon about half of the cooked rice on top of the beans, spreading it evenly.
- Fifth Layer – Taco Sauce: Drizzle about 1/3 of the taco sauce on top of the rice, or more if you want extra flavor.
- Sixth Layer – Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese (about 1 cup) over the top. Repeat the layers in the same order:
- Tortillas
- Ground beef
- Refried beans
- Rice
- Taco sauce
- Cheese Once the layers are complete, top with a final layer of cheese (about 1 cup), ensuring it’s spread evenly across the top.
5. Bake the Taco Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from over-browning.
- Place the lasagna in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- The lasagna should be heated through, and the layers should hold their shape.
6. Let It Rest:
- Once the Taco Lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the layers to set so you can cut into neat slices without everything spilling out.
7. Top and Serve:
- While the lasagna is cooling slightly, chop some lettuce for garnish. Add a dollop of sour cream and drizzle with more taco sauce if desired.
- Serve with optional toppings like salsa, guacamole, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for extra flavor and color.
Tips for Perfect Taco Lasagna:
- Tortilla Tips: If you use corn tortillas, they can sometimes get a bit soggy or break apart. To prevent this, you can toast them lightly in a skillet before layering. Flour tortillas are usually more pliable and less likely to tear.
- Customize the Layers: Feel free to add more veggies to the layers, like corn, sliced bell peppers, or green onions for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add some jalapeños into the ground beef mixture or sprinkle them over the top before baking.
- Cheese Variations: Use a combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for more flavor depth. If you prefer a stringy melt, try mozzarella in place of some of the shredded cheese.
- Make-Ahead: Taco lasagna is great for prepping ahead. You can assemble it in the baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to eat.
- Freezer-Friendly: This lasagna freezes well too! Once baked and cooled, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through.
This Taco Lasagna is an incredibly satisfying dish, with all the delicious flavors of tacos combined in a comforting lasagna form. Perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even Taco Tuesdays! Enjoy!