30-Minute Simple Mexican Lasagna
A quick and easy 30-minute Mexican lasagna that layers zesty salsa, seasoned meat, creamy beans, and melted cheese between tortillas for a flavorful and family-friendly dinner. Perfect for busy nights, this dish offers bold Mexican spices in a comforting layered casserole that’s customizable and made with affordable pantry staples.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using corn tortillas)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based meat for vegetarian)
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 6–8 flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- 1 cup refried beans
- 1 cup salsa verde or red salsa
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir in taco seasoning and a splash of water, simmering until fragrant and slightly thickened. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Layer the Ingredients: Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of a casserole dish. Add a layer of tortillas, then spread refried beans, followed by the seasoned meat mixture, diced tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of tortillas and cheese.
- Bake until Melty and Bubbling: Place the layered casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before cutting. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream as desired.
Notes
- Warm tortillas slightly before layering to prevent tearing and ease assembly.
- Drain excess fat after browning meat to reduce greasiness.
- Spread ingredients evenly across layers to ensure balanced flavor and texture.
- Shred cheese fresh for better melting consistency.
- Allow lasagna to rest 5 minutes after baking for better slicing and setting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Mexican lasagna, quick dinner, family-friendly, cheesy casserole, taco seasoning, layered casserole, easy weeknight meal