Taco Lasagna

This Taco Lasagna combines the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting layers of Italian lasagna. Made with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta cheese, black beans, enchilada sauce, and gooey melted cheddar, this easy casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With no-boil lasagna noodles, it’s a quick, fuss-free recipe that’s both hearty and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on taco night or a make-ahead dinner idea, this taco lasagna delivers layers of flavor everyone will love!

Ingredient

For the Meat Mixture

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small onion (diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 oz. taco seasoning
• ⅔ cup water
• 15 oz. can black beans (drained and rinsed)

For the Sauce

• 10 oz. red enchilada sauce
• 24 oz. salsa (thick & chunky preferred)

For the Lasagna

• 12 uncooked lasagna noodles
• 15 oz. Ricotta cheese
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 egg
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

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Instructions

Prep Work

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

Cook the Meat Mixture

2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Halfway through cooking, stir in the diced onions. Add the minced garlic during the last minute.
3. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the liquid thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix in the black beans and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

6. In a bowl, combine the enchilada sauce and salsa.

Assemble the Lasagna

7. Spoon a thin layer of the sauce mixture onto the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Top with 4 uncooked lasagna noodles.
8. In another bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, oregano, and egg until well combined.

First Layer

9. Spread ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Top with ⅓ of the meat mixture, ⅓ of the sauce, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Second Layer

10. Repeat the first layer with 4 more noodles, ⅓ of the ricotta, meat, sauce, and 1 cup of cheese.

Third Layer

11. Add the final 4 noodles, followed by the remaining ricotta, meat mixture, and sauce. Do not add cheese yet.

Bake

12. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil to trap steam and cook the noodles. Bake for 45 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes.

Rest and Serve

14. Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, sour cream, or green onions, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fusion of Flavors: A delicious mix of Mexican-inspired ingredients layered in a comforting Italian-style dish.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein, cheese, and flavor, this dish satisfies even the biggest appetites.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble in advance and bake when ready, making it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

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Tips

• No-Boil Noodles: Regular uncooked lasagna noodles cook perfectly with the steam from the sauce. Ensure the foil is tightly sealed.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded options.
• Salsa Texture: Thick and chunky salsa works best to prevent the dish from becoming watery.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a meat alternative for a vegetarian option.
• Beans: Swap black beans with pinto beans or omit if preferred.
• Cheese: Use a Mexican cheese blend or add a layer of pepper jack for extra spice.
• Low-Carb: Replace lasagna noodles with thin slices of zucchini or eggplant.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the lasagna and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time if starting from cold.

Q: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A: Absolutely! Freeze the assembled, unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

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Serving

Serve this taco lasagna with a side of guacamole, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad. For extra flavor, top with a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of hot sauce.

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Suggestions

• Add sliced jalapeños between the layers for a spicy kick.
• Pair with a cold margarita or your favorite Mexican beer for a fun meal.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave, making it ideal for meal prep!