Name: Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion chopped; 1/4 cup flour; 3 tablespoons chili powder NOT cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/3 cup tomato paste; 4-6 garlic cloves minced; 3 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 4 oz can mild chopped green chiles; 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; a pinch of cinnamon; 1 15 oz can pinto beans, rinsed and drained; 1 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn no need to thaw; 1 6 oz can chopped black olives drained; 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 15 regular lasagna noodles NOT no boil; 2 cups freshly grated Monterrey Jack cheese; 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 8 oz Cream Cheese softened; 1/2 cup mild salsa verde; 1/4 teaspoon salt

There’s something so comforting about the layers of melted cheese, rich meat sauce, and creamy fillings coming together in a warm casserole. This Mexican Lasagna Recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, packed with bold flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Let me walk you through why this one’s a keeper.

A thick square piece of lasagna sits centered on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath. The bottom layer is a deep brown meat sauce mixed with bits of corn, topped by a layer of melted cheese that is light golden-yellow and shiny. On top of the cheese are bright red diced tomatoes and sliced black olives scattered around, with chopped green herbs sprinkled over everything for freshness. The colors show a nice contrast between the rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited to share this Mexican Lasagna Recipe because it combines the best of both worlds — the layered goodness of lasagna and the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. It’s great for family dinners or when you want to impress friends with a dish that’s both comforting and super flavorful.

Layered Flavor Explosion: Each layer brings a balance of zesty, savory, and creamy, making every bite satisfying and interesting.
Creative Use of Ingredients: The meat filling combines spices, beans, corn, and even cocoa powder for a unique enchilada-inspired sauce.
Customizable and Family-Friendly: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs without losing the essence of the dish.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it ahead of time to let flavors develop or freeze for busy nights when you want a homemade meal with zero stress.

A close-up view of a layered lasagna piece being lifted with a spoon, showing at least four visible layers of wavy pasta sheets in between rich brown meat sauce with small bits of corn and melted orange cheese. The top layer is covered with more melted cheese, garnished with chopped red tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green herbs. The lasagna sits inside a white baking dish with some baked sauce marks on the sides, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe’s ingredient list might look long, but each one plays a key role in building robust flavor and delightful texture. From the spices to the beans, and the creamy cheese blend, they come together to create a filling that’s so much more than your average lasagna.

Flat lay of a raw lean ground beef portion shaped naturally, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, a small mound of white flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a neat pile of vibrant red chili powder, small piles of ground cumin and garlic powder each on separate white ceramic dishes, a pinch of finely ground smoked paprika and dried oregano each in tiny white bowls, a tiny heap of cayenne pepper, a thick dollop of bright red tomato paste on a plain white dish, several unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with clear golden chicken broth, a simple white bowl holding chunky fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl with mild chopped green chiles, a white bowl containing rich brown unsweetened cocoa powder, a small portion of fine white sugar, a small pinch of ground cinnamon on a white dish, a pile of rinsed pinto beans on a plain white plate, a small mound of bright yellow frozen sweet corn kernels, a little cluster of sliced black olives on a white dish, and a tiny white bowl holding light amber apple cider vinegar, several smooth uncracked brown eggs, a neat stack of uncooked flat rectangular regular lasagna noodles, two small heaps of freshly grated Monterrey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses on separate white plates, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, a dollop of smooth cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with mild green salsa verde, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground beef: Provides a hearty base and brings a wonderful umami depth when browned properly.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and texture that balance the spices beautifully.
Flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency so it holds together well in layers.
Chili powder: The secret spice mix that infuses that classic Mexican flavor — just be sure to use American-style chili powder for best results.
Cumin, garlic powder, coriander, paprika, oregano, cayenne: These spices create a warm, aromatic base that’s flavorful but not overpowering.
Tomato paste and fire-roasted diced tomatoes: They give the sauce richness and slight smokiness.
Green chiles: Bring a subtle tang and layered mild heat.
Cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon: These unexpected ingredients add complexity, mimicking the classic Mexican mole flavors.
Pinto beans: Add creaminess and protein while keeping the dish balanced and filling.
Frozen sweet corn: A little pop of sweetness and texture in every bite.
Black olives: Bring a briny contrast that complements the spiced meat sauce.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce and balances richness.
Lasagna noodles (regular): Soaking them ahead ensures tender but sturdy layers that won’t fall apart.
Monterrey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese: A melty, creamy cheesy layer that’s essential for that indulgent finish.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tangy creaminess to lighten the dish with a luscious texture.
Cream cheese: Makes the creamy filling super rich and smooth.
Salsa verde: Adds a mild, fresh tartness to the creamy layer.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love turning this Mexican Lasagna Recipe into my own every time. Its adaptability is one of its biggest perks—you can tailor it to whatever you have on hand or your family’s tastes, which makes it such a joy to cook.

Variation: One time, I swapped the ground beef for shredded rotisserie chicken—it cut down the prep time and still kept all those delicious flavors intact. Highly recommend if you’re in a rush!
Vegetarian option: Swap the meat for extra beans, diced veggies like zucchini or sweet potatoes, and use veggie broth to keep it hearty and satisfying.
Spice level: This recipe is pretty mild, perfect for kids, but you can amp it up with extra cayenne or jalapeños if you like a little kick.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Soak Those Noodles to Tender Perfection

I always start by soaking the lasagna noodles in hot water. This simple step softens them enough so they cook through perfectly in the oven without turning mushy. Plus, giving them a gentle stir now and then keeps them from sticking together — trust me, it makes assembling so much easier!

Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Meat Filling

While the noodles soak, dice your onions and start browning the ground beef with onions. Once almost cooked, sprinkle in the flour mixed with all the spices — this step is crucial for thickening the sauce and layering those deep Mexican flavors. Stir in tomato paste and garlic to unlock even more richness.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce to Depth and Perfection

After your base, it’s time for the star ingredients — chicken broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, green chiles, cocoa powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of sugar. Bring it to a simmer and let it reduce until thick and luscious, about 10-15 minutes. Toss in the beans, corn, olives, and a splash of apple cider vinegar just before removing from heat. This mix has layers of smoky, sweet, and tangy all wrapped up in one pot.

Step 4: Mix Your Creamy Cheese Filling

Whisk together sour cream, cream cheese, salsa verde, and a bit of salt while the sauce simmers. This creamy layer cuts through the rich meat sauce like a charm and adds a delightful tang that keeps the dish balanced and fresh.

Step 5: Assemble with Care for Perfect Layers

Start with a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a greased pan to keep noodles from sticking. Then add noodles, creamy filling, and shredded cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times until you’ve used all your fillings and noodles. End with meat sauce and cheese on top. The key here is spreading evenly and pressing slightly so the layers hold together well during baking.

Step 6: Bake and Let It Rest

Cover with foil, bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Be patient and let it rest 15 minutes before slicing — this step is magical because it lets the layers set so your slices come out neat and gorgeous.

Top Tip

Making Mexican Lasagna isn’t tricky, but there are a few handy tips I’ve picked up over many kitchens that help ensure your dish turns out spectacular every time.

Pre-measure your spices: The seasoning blend is complex, so mixing it with the flour beforehand keeps things organized and stops you from scrambling mid-cook.
Don’t skip the cocoa and cinnamon: These surprising ingredients make a difference—they add authentic depth that often surprises friends when you tell them what’s in the sauce.
Soak noodles properly: Soaking them in hot water instead of boiling keeps the layers tender but intact and saves time on assembly day.
Rest the Mexican lasagna: Letting it sit post-bake allows the cheese and sauce to settle for cleaner slices and better presentation.

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve Mexican Lasagna, I pile on fresh garnishes like chopped ripe avocado for creaminess, bright cilantro leaves for freshness, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the rich flavors. Sometimes I add sliced black olives or diced fresh tomatoes, too — they add that pop of color and a nice flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

I like pairing this hearty dish with a simple mixed green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette or a serving of Mexican street corn (elote) to keep the meal vibrant. Sometimes, a crisp cucumber salad with a little chili powder dusted over the top is a refreshing sidekick.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve Mexican Lasagna in individual ramekins layered like mini casseroles. It’s fancy and fun for guests, plus great for portion control. Another idea is to top each serving with a drizzle of salsa verde or hot sauce for an extra flavor kick and colorful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Yes, please! I tightly cover any leftover Mexican Lasagna with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It stays great for up to 4 days, and the flavor actually deepens as it sits.

Freezing

I find freezing this lasagna a game-changer. You can freeze it before or after baking — just wrap tightly with plastic and foil. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge for 48 hours, then bake as usual, adding a bit more time to ensure it’s heated through without drying out.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until bubbling, about 30 minutes. For single portions, the microwave works great—heat for 1-2 minutes, checking and stirring to keep things evenly warm and melty.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use corn tortillas instead of lasagna noodles in this Mexican Lasagna Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap regular corn tortillas for the noodles. Just layer them the same way and proceed, but don’t use thick specialty tortillas as they might not soften properly. Using standard corn tortillas is budget-friendly and delicious.

How spicy is this Mexican Lasagna?

This recipe is designed to be mild and family-friendly, even with the small amount of cayenne pepper included. It’s flavorful without heat, so it’s perfect for kids or those sensitive to spice. You can easily add extra heat with jalapeños or hot sauce if you want more kick.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the meat sauce, creamy filling, or even assemble the entire lasagna a day ahead. Refrigerate until ready to bake. This make-ahead option actually improves the flavor as the layers meld together. The sauce can even be frozen for up to three months.

What’s the purpose of adding cocoa powder and cinnamon to the meat sauce?

Great question! Cocoa powder and cinnamon add depth and richness reminiscent of traditional Mexican mole sauces. They enhance the sauce’s complexity without adding sweetness or making it taste like chocolate. It’s a subtle but important flavor layer you don’t want to skip.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Lasagna Recipe holds a special place for me because it’s one of those dishes that’s both homey and exciting at the same time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food, just like I did!