Taco Lasagna Recipe
If you adore the flavors of tacos but crave something a little more comforting and hearty, you’ll absolutely fall in love with this Taco Lasagna Recipe. Imagine all the bold, zesty goodness of your favorite taco night, layered beautifully into a cheesy, bubbling casserole that’s ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to please a crowd. It’s the ultimate mash-up that brings together tender tortillas, seasoned beef, black beans, corn, a vibrant salsa, and a glorious blanket of melty cheese—each bite is pure comfort with a fun, fiesta twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Taco Lasagna Recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create magic. Each one brings its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color—so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:
- Ground Beef: Brings a hearty, savory base that soaks up all those delicious taco spices.
- Onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth, melding perfectly with the beef.
- Taco Seasoning: Packs the classic punch of chili, cumin, and smoky spices we all love in tacos.
- Water: Helps the seasoning cling to the beef and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- Black Beans (canned, drained, and rinsed): Offers a creamy, protein-packed layer and extra heartiness.
- Corn Kernels: Adds sweet crunch and a burst of color—use frozen or canned for convenience.
- Salsa: Infuses each layer with tangy, zesty flavor and a touch of moisture, so every bite is juicy and vibrant.
- Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts into gooey, golden perfection—don’t be shy with it!
- Flour Tortillas: The “lasagna noodles” of this dish, creating soft, pillowy layers that hold everything together.
- Chopped Cilantro (optional): A fresh, herby finish that brightens up each serving.
- Sour Cream (optional): Adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy, cheesy layers.
How to Make Taco Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and diced onion, cooking them together for about 6 to 8 minutes. As the beef browns and the onion softens, your kitchen will fill with that irresistible savory aroma. Drain off any excess grease—this keeps the finished lasagna from getting too heavy.
Step 2: Add Taco Seasoning and Simmer
Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the beef and onion, then pour in the water. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step ensures every morsel of beef is coated in those classic taco spices, building the foundation of flavor for your Taco Lasagna Recipe.
Step 3: Stir in Beans and Corn
Add the black beans and corn right into the skillet. Give it a good stir so everything is combined and heated through. This not only stretches the filling but also adds great texture, pops of sweetness, and a lovely color contrast.
Step 4: Layer the Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread about 1/2 cup of salsa across the bottom to prevent sticking and add an extra layer of flavor. Lay three tortillas over the salsa, overlapping as needed. Spoon one-third of the meat mixture over the tortillas, followed by another 1/2 cup of salsa and about 2/3 cup of cheese. Repeat this layering process two more times: tortillas, meat, salsa, and cheese. Finish with a generous final layer of cheese on top—because you can never have too much!
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cheese melt. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned. Let the Taco Lasagna Recipe rest for about 10 minutes before you slice—it helps everything set up beautifully for perfect squares.
How to Serve Taco Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes
This dish is a canvas for your favorite fresh toppings. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor, and add dollops of creamy sour cream for a cool, tangy finish. If you like a little heat, sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce work wonders too.
Side Dishes
While this Taco Lasagna Recipe is a meal in itself, it pairs beautifully with sides like a crunchy green salad, classic Mexican rice, or even some roasted veggies. For an extra treat, serve with tortilla chips and guacamole for dipping alongside each hearty slice.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the lasagna into neat squares and stack them high for a dramatic effect, or serve with a scoop of salsa and a lime wedge for restaurant-style flair. Hosting a party? Try making mini lasagna stacks in ramekins for personalized portions everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a dream! Simply let the Taco Lasagna cool to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly or transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—each slice reheats like a champ for easy lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This Taco Lasagna Recipe is freezer-friendly. Wrap the assembled (but unbaked) lasagna tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to keep them moist, for about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions—just be sure to cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken are delicious in this Taco Lasagna Recipe and will lighten things up a bit. Just cook them exactly as you would the beef, and enjoy the same great flavors with a twist.
How spicy is this Taco Lasagna Recipe?
The spiciness depends on your choice of salsa and taco seasoning. For a mild version, choose mild salsa and regular seasoning. If you crave heat, go for hot salsa or stir in diced jalapeños for extra kick.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the ground meat for an extra can of black beans, some sautéed mushrooms, or crumbled tofu. The flavors and structure still work beautifully, making it a filling vegetarian option.
What kind of tortillas work best?
Medium-sized flour tortillas are perfect for layering and maintaining structure in this Taco Lasagna Recipe. If you prefer corn tortillas, they’ll add a slightly different flavor and texture—just be aware they may break up a bit more during baking.
How do I prevent the lasagna from getting soggy?
To keep your Taco Lasagna from getting soggy, don’t overload the salsa and make sure to drain any excess liquid from the beef, beans, and corn. Letting it rest before slicing also helps everything firm up nicely.
Final Thoughts
This Taco Lasagna Recipe is one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that always earns rave reviews, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive gathering. It’s easy, satisfying, and packed with flavor—so gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a new family favorite!
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Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Taco Lasagna recipe combines the bold flavors of traditional tacos with the comforting layers of a classic lasagna. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices is layered with black beans, corn, salsa, tortillas, and melted Mexican blend cheese to create a hearty, satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
Layers
- 2 cups salsa
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 9 medium flour tortillas (enough for 3 layers in a 9×13-inch dish)
For Serving (Optional)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat and Brown: Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain any excess grease to reduce fat content.
- Season Meat Mixture: Stir in the taco seasoning packet and 1/2 cup water. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens nicely. Then add the drained black beans and corn kernels, mixing well before removing from heat.
- Layer Base: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray. Spread 1/2 cup of salsa evenly over the bottom to create a flavorful base.
- Assemble Layers: Place 3 flour tortillas over the salsa, overlapping as necessary to cover the bottom of the dish. Spread one-third of the meat mixture over the tortillas. Top with 1/2 cup salsa and sprinkle with 2/3 cup shredded Mexican cheese. Repeat these layers two more times: tortillas, meat mixture, salsa, and cheese.
- Top and Bake: Finish with a final layer of shredded cheese on top to create a cheesy crust. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with sour cream on the side if desired, enhancing the flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner option.
- For added heat, use hot salsa or include sliced jalapeños in the meat mixture.
- Leftovers reheat well and are ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg