TACO LASAGNA: GET IN MY BELLY

Taco lasagna recipe featured image: Layers of cheesy ground beef & tortillas.

I can still remember the first time I tried a taco lasagna. A friend brought it to a potluck, and I was skeptical, but one bite and I was hooked! I immediately needed the Taco lasagna recipe because the blend of familiar taco flavors with the comforting layers of lasagna was pure genius. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Taco lasagna recipe you’ll ever make!

Taco Lasagna: A Fiesta in Every Layer!

Layered taco lasagna with beef, cheese, tortillas, and toppings. Delicious taco lasagna recipe!

Okay, friends, gather ’round because we’re about to embark on a culinary adventure that will rock your world! Forget everything you thought you knew about lasagna. We’re ditching the traditional Italian flavors and diving headfirst into a fiesta of epic proportions with this Taco Lasagna! This isn’t just dinner; it’s a party in a pan, a celebration of deliciousness, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, and it’s fantastic for potlucks and gatherings.

But before we get started, let me tell you why this Taco Lasagna is so special. It’s the perfect marriage of two comfort food classics: tacos and lasagna. You get the satisfying layers of cheesy goodness you expect from lasagna, but with the zesty, savory flavors of your favorite tacos. Think seasoned ground beef, salsa, creamy cheese sauce, and all your favorite taco toppings, all layered between tortillas. It’s seriously magical!

What Makes This Taco Lasagna Recipe So Good?

I know, I know, you’re probably thinking, “Taco lasagna? Is that even a thing?” And the answer is a resounding YES! But not all Taco lasagna recipes are created equal. This one stands out from the crowd because:

  • The Flavor Explosion: We’re not holding back on the spices! We use a generous amount of taco seasoning to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.
  • The Creamy Dreamy Cheese Sauce: This isn’t your average ricotta filling. We’re making a creamy, cheesy sauce that perfectly complements the savory taco flavors.
  • The Tortilla Twist: Forget lasagna noodles! We’re using tortillas to create the layers, which adds a unique texture and flavor that you’ll love.
  • Customizable Toppings: The best part about Taco Lasagna is that you can customize it to your liking! Add your favorite taco toppings for a truly personalized meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry; you probably have most of these in your pantry already.

  • Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken).
  • Taco Seasoning: 1 packet (or homemade, which I highly recommend!).
  • Onion: 1 medium onion, chopped.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves garlic, minced.
  • Salsa: 1 (16-ounce) jar of your favorite salsa.
  • Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened.
  • Sour Cream: 1 cup.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: 1 cup, shredded.
  • Tortillas: 8-10 large flour tortillas.
  • Optional Toppings: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, black olives, avocado, jalapenos, etc.

See? Nothing too crazy! Now, let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Taco Lasagna!

Okay, friend, let’s get started! I’ll walk you through each step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important to ensure even cooking.
  2. Brown the ground beef. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Add onion and garlic. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The aroma will be amazing!
  4. Stir in taco seasoning and salsa. Add the taco seasoning and salsa to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Prepare the cheese sauce. In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  6. Stir in the cheddar cheese. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine. This creates a luscious, cheesy sauce.
  7. Assemble the lasagna. Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  8. Layer tortillas. Arrange 2-3 tortillas over the meat mixture, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish.
  9. Spread cheese sauce. Spread a layer of the cheese sauce over the tortillas.
  10. Repeat layers. Repeat layers of meat mixture, tortillas, and cheese sauce, ending with a layer of cheese sauce.
  11. Top with cheese. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  12. Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
  13. Let it rest. Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice.
  14. Add your favorite toppings! Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, black olives, avocado, jalapenos, or any other toppings you love!

And there you have it! A delicious, easy, and customizable Taco Lasagna that will have everyone begging for more. Seriously, prepare for rave reviews!

Success Tips for the Perfect Taco Lasagna

Okay, my friend, here are a few “golden” tips to ensure your Taco Lasagna is a total success. Follow these, and you can’t go wrong!

  • Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooked ground beef can be dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just browned and then let it simmer in the salsa to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Soften the Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start mixing.
  • Don’t Overfill the Layers: Too much filling can make the lasagna soggy and difficult to slice. Use a moderate amount of each ingredient for each layer.
  • Use Good Quality Tortillas: The tortillas are the foundation of your lasagna, so choose good quality ones that are sturdy and flavorful.
  • Let it Rest!: I can’t stress this enough. Letting the lasagna rest before cutting allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Plus, it gives the flavors a chance to meld together even more!

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of Taco Lasagna is that it’s so versatile! Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:

  • Meat: Use ground turkey, ground chicken, shredded chicken, or even black beans instead of ground beef.
  • Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Salsa: Use your favorite salsa, from mild to hot. You can even use a homemade salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Vegetables: Add chopped bell peppers, corn, or black beans to the meat mixture for extra vegetables.
  • Spicy: Add chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicier lasagna.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Skip the meat altogether and use a mixture of black beans, corn, and other vegetables.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own signature Taco Lasagna!

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

Want to make this Taco Lasagna ahead of time? No problem! You can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it as directed when you’re ready to serve it.

To freeze the lasagna, assemble it according to the instructions, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

This Taco Lasagna is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more special:

  • Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich and savory lasagna.
  • Top with guacamole and sour cream: These classic taco toppings add extra flavor and creaminess.
  • Serve with tortilla chips and salsa: For a complete taco feast!
  • Offer a variety of toppings: Let your guests customize their lasagna with their favorite taco toppings.

Remember, food is all about bringing people together, so share this delicious Taco Lasagna with your loved ones and enjoy the party!

More Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved this Taco Lasagna, you might also enjoy these other delicious and easy recipes:

  • Craving a warm and comforting soup? Try my LASAGNA SOUP! It has all the flavors of lasagna in a bowl, and it’s so easy to make.
  • For another twist on lasagna, you have to try Ravioli Lasagna! It’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
  • If you like things a little spicy, check out this CHEDDAR CHILI MAC. It’s cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor.
  • And for a hearty and satisfying casserole, you have to try my COWBOY CASSEROLE. It’s loaded with ground beef, corn, beans, and cheese.
  • Don’t forget Lasagna Soup. Its a delicious dump-and-go meal!
  • And of course, there’s another version of LASAGNA SOUP for you to try. You deserve it!

Conclusion: Get Ready to Be Amazed!

So, there you have it! My ultimate Taco lasagna recipe that is sure to become a family favorite in your household. I hope you are excited to make this as I am for you! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a fun and unique twist on a classic dish, and it’s so easy to customize to your liking. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on your favorite music, and get ready to create a fiesta in your kitchen! Trust me, you and your taste buds will thank you for it. Enjoy!

Can I prepare the Taco Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taco lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Bake as directed when ready to serve. You can also freeze it, unbaked, for up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, shredded chicken, or even black beans for the ground beef in the recipe.

What makes this Taco Lasagna different from other recipes?

This recipe stands out because of its flavorful taco seasoning, creamy cheese sauce (not ricotta!), the use of tortillas instead of lasagna noodles, and customizable toppings.

What are some topping ideas for the Taco Lasagna?

You can top the Taco Lasagna with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, black olives, avocado, jalapenos, or any other taco toppings you enjoy.

Taco lasagna recipe featured image: Layers of cheesy ground beef & tortillas.

Taco Lasagna: Get In My Belly!

2d2355f94c641042967684431963d4defc336a20c3e4ce40660e13574c1dc566?s=30&d=mm&r=g - TACO LASAGNA: GET IN MY BELLYAmelia
This Taco Lasagna recipe brings together the best of two comfort food classics: tacos and lasagna. Layers of seasoned ground beef, salsa, creamy cheese sauce, and tortillas create a fiesta in a pan that’s perfect for weeknight meals or potlucks. Customize it with your favorite taco toppings for a truly personalized dish!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican-American
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Medium bowl
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 8-10 large flour tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce, for topping optional
  • Diced tomatoes, for topping optional
  • Chopped green onions, for topping optional
  • Black olives, for topping optional
  • Avocado, for topping optional
  • Jalapenos, for topping optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the taco seasoning and salsa to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
  • Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture and stir to combine.
  • Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  • Arrange 2-3 tortillas over the meat mixture, overlapping as needed to cover the bottom of the dish.
  • Spread a layer of the cheese sauce over the tortillas.
  • Repeat layers of meat mixture, tortillas, and cheese sauce, ending with a layer of cheese sauce.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese over the top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
  • Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving.
  • Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, black olives, avocado, jalapenos, or any other toppings you love!

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before making the cheese sauce. Letting the lasagna rest after baking is crucial for clean slices. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, salsa, and toppings to customize the dish to your liking. To prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy, avoid overfilling the layers with the meat and cheese mixture.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amelia Chen-Morrison

Welcome to my Amelia Chen-Morrison kitchen! I love creating easy, flavorful recipes that bring families together around the table. Here you’ll find simple dishes, a bit of healthy inspiration, and snippets of my everyday life. So glad you’re here!

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