Explore the flavors of Taco Lasagna, a delicious layered concoction of soft tortillas packed with seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, and zesty salsa. Finished with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sour cream, this Taco Lasagna will become your go-to choice for a festive meal any day of the week, not just Taco Tuesdays!
Unlike traditional lasagna, which features layers of pasta, meat, and cheese, Taco Lasagna brings a fun twist by incorporating all your favorite taco fillings. It’s an excellent alternative to regular taco nights, offering a delightful change in format but with all the familiar taco flavors you love.
Taco Lasagna Recipe
This recipe uses common taco fixings, enhanced by homemade taco seasoning for an adjustable kick. The joy of this dish lies in its assembly, layering cheese sauce, tortillas, and salsa to create a mouthwatering meal.
Assembly Instructions for Taco Lasagna
Start by greasing a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and arranging your tortillas. You’ll need twelve tortillas, with three cut into quarters to fit neatly and cover the entire base of the dish, ensuring no gaps.
Here’s how you layer it:
- Place two whole tortillas at the bottom of the pan, filling any gaps with the quartered pieces.
- Layer with half of the seasoned taco meat, followed by half the cheese sauce and half the salsa.
- Add another layer of tortillas, then sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese.
- Continue with a third layer of tortillas, the rest of the meat, and cheese sauce.
- Finish with a final layer of tortillas and the remaining shredded cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake to meld the flavors together beautifully.
After baking, top your Taco Lasagna with crisp lettuce, diced tomato, spicy jalapenos, and creamy sour cream for the perfect finish.
Customizing Your Taco Lasagna
Taco Lasagna is versatile:
- Substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Elevate it with additional toppings like onions, pico de gallo, extra cheese, or scallions.
- Serve with a side of refried beans or garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Opt for low-fat dairy options to make a healthier version.
Freezing and Storage Tips
Taco Lasagna is also freezer-friendly. Assemble the lasagna in a foil pan, cover, label, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw before baking for a convenient and quick meal.
Ingredients
Taco Meat
- 1 pound (453g) ground beef
- 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning, or 1 package store-bought
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, divided
- 4 teaspoons flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup (about 75g) shredded cheese
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Lasagna
- 12 soft 6-inch (15 cm) tortillas, 3 cut into fourths
- 1 cup (240 ml) salsa, divided
- 3 cups (340g) Mexican cheese blend, divided
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1 small jalapeno, diced
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
Preparation Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Taco Meat: In a skillet, brown the beef, mix in taco seasoning, and set aside.
- Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, mix a quarter cup of milk with flour. Add remaining milk and salt, bring to boil, then simmer until thick. Off heat, add cheese and pepper.
- Lasagna Assembly: In the prepared dish, layer tortillas, meat, cheese sauce, and salsa as detailed. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake: Covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with lettuce, tomato, jalapenos, and sour cream.
Enjoy your Taco Lasagna, a delightful twist on traditional tacos and lasagna, packed with all the flavors you crave!
