Pin A fun, budget-friendly fusion dish combining the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting layers of lasagna. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
My family always lights up when I serve taco lasagna, and it quickly disappears at potlucks. It was a hit during our last gathering with kids and adults alike asking for second helpings.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or ground turkey: 500 g (1 lb)
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Bell pepper: 1, diced
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz), drained
- Black beans: 1 can (400 g/14 oz), drained and rinsed
- Corn kernels: 1 cup (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Oven-ready lasagna noodles: 9
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g)
- Sour cream: 1 cup (240 g)
- Sliced jalapeños: optional, for garnish
- Chopped fresh cilantro: optional, for garnish
- Sliced green onions: optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep and Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Vegetables:
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Simmer:
- Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- Layer:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, followed by a third of the remaining meat mixture, a third of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and dollops of sour cream.
- Repeat:
- Repeat layers two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Rest and Serve:
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions if desired.
Pin One evening, my kids helped layer the taco lasagna and took pride in sprinkling cheese on every level. It's now a fun dinner tradition that brings everyone together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Large skillet, baking dish (22 x 33 cm / 9 x 13 inch), mixing spoon, knife and cutting board, foil
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (unless using gluten-free noodles), dairy, and may contain soy (check taco seasoning and cheese brands). Contains cows milk (cheese, sour cream). Always double-check labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 28 g
Pin This taco lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that's ready in under an hour. Serve hot with your favorite salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I substitute the ground meat with a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can use plant-based mince, lentils, or crumbled tofu to create a vegetarian-friendly version while keeping the dish hearty and flavorful.
- → What kind of cheese works best for layering?
Shredded cheddar and mozzarella blend well, providing both sharpness and meltiness that complement the savory layers.
- → How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply swap the oven-ready lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
- → Is there a way to add more heat to the dish?
Adding sliced jalapeños, chili flakes, or a spicy taco seasoning boost the heat to match your preference without overwhelming other flavors.
- → What sides complement this layered dish?
Serving with a fresh side salad, guacamole, or salsa balances the rich layers and adds vibrant textures.