Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

Taco Lasagna is the intersection of two beloved comfort foods, bringing together the bold flavors of traditional Mexican ingredients and the convenience of an Italian-inspired layering technique. Imagine a cheesy, hearty dish that warms your soul and satisfies your cravings, where flour tortillas embrace a scrumptious filling of seasoned beef, zesty salsa, and gooey cheeses. This mouth-watering amalgamation not only delivers on flavor but also plays the nostalgia card, reminiscent of family gatherings and weeknight dinners. Easy to prepare and sure to please even the pickiest eaters, Taco Lasagna is undoubtedly worth making!

Isn’t it Time for a Flavor Adventure?

Have you ever found yourself torn between craving cheesy lasagna and a spicy taco? What if I told you that you don’t have to choose? Picture this: layers of softened tortillas cradling a rich mixture of beef, beans, and cheese, all baked to gooey perfection. The crunch of fresh toppings adds the perfect finish to a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. You can indulge in this delightful fusion while spending quality time with loved ones. What’s stopping you from putting this irresistible dish on your table tonight?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll fall head over heels for Taco Lasagna for many reasons.

1. Easy Prep: This dish requires minimal effort and cooking skills, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
2. Healthy Twist: With beans and fresh veggies, not only is it rich in flavor, but it packs a nutritional punch.
3. Crowd-Pleaser: Great for both kids and adults, it’s sure to satisfy even the most discerning of palates.
4. Minimal Ingredients: This recipe calls for ingredients you likely already have on hand, meaning less grocery shopping and more cooking!
5. Versatile: The beauty of Taco Lasagna lies in its adaptability; feel free to swap ingredients according to your taste or what you have available.

Ingredients

You’ll need the following components to create this mouth-watering Taco Lasagna:

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (plus more for serving)
• 1 bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
• 1 15-ounce jar medium salsa (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 6 8-inch flour tortillas, divided
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded, divided
• 8 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 14.75-ounce can creamed corn, divided
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped tomatoes, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Each ingredient in this Taco Lasagna plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor that burst with each bite. The sharp cheddar and pepper Jack meld together to create a heavenly aroma while the spices bring warmth and excitement to this delightful dish.

Timing

Taco Lasagna is as quick as it is comforting, allowing you to indulge in the flavors you love without spending hours in the kitchen. The preparation time takes roughly 15 minutes, while baking is around 30 minutes—perfect for a fast, indulgent weeknight meal. Alternatively, if you’re in the mood for a more luxurious experience, take your time savoring each layer as you craft this tasty dish, letting the scents envelop your kitchen.

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. A well-preheated oven is crucial for achieving that perfect, gooey layer of cheese.

2. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil. This will ensure our lasagna doesn’t stick, allowing for easy serving later.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in 1 Tablespoon of oil.

4. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally until they become tender (about 7 minutes).

5. Toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).

6. Now, introduce the ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper. As it cooks, break the meat apart with a wooden spoon until it’s no longer pink, about 6 minutes.

7. Drain off any excess fat, then add the chili powder, flour, and cumin to the skillet. Stir until the beef is well-coated in those fragrant spices (about 1 minute).

8. Pour in the black beans, salsa, and about 1/4 cup of water. Cook while scraping away the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet until everything is heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes.

9. Remove the skillet from heat.

10. Starting with a small amount of the beef mixture, spread it across the bottom of your greased baking dish. Layer two tortillas on top.

11. Sprinkle one-quarter of the cheddar and one-quarter of the pepper Jack cheese over the tortillas.

12. Follow this with half of the creamed corn and half of the remaining beef mixture.

13. Repeat the layering process: top with two more tortillas, another quarter of cheddar, and quarter of the pepper Jack cheese. Add the remaining creamed corn and beef mixture.

14. Finally, top it off with the last two tortillas, finishing with the remaining cheddar and pepper Jack cheese.

15. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

16. Once out of the oven, let it cool for about 10 minutes. Drizzle with sour cream and generously garnish with chopped onions, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.

With each layer, you’ll experience the aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, creating a warm atmosphere that’ll have everyone gathering around for dinner.

Nutritional Information

Your Taco Lasagna adventure yields approximately 400 calories per serving. Yes, it’s indulgent, but every now and then, a little indulgence is just what you need. This homemade dish is far healthier than takeout, allowing you to embrace that comforting bowl of flavor guilt-free.

Healthier Alternatives

For those seeking a lighter version or specific dietary needs, consider these swaps:

• Use ground turkey or chicken for lower-fat options.
• Swap out the flour tortillas with whole-wheat or corn tortillas for extra nutrition.
• Opt for low-fat cheeses to cut calories while still enjoying that delightful gooey factor.
• Subsitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangy, healthy twist.

With simple swaps, Taco Lasagna can continue to be a satisfying go-to meal that’s kinder to your waistline.

Serving Suggestions

Think of the perfect accompaniment to your Taco Lasagna. For the ultimate indulgence, serve it alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream for dessert. If you’re hosting for the holidays or at family gatherings, pile on the toppings—sour cream, guacamole, and a side of crispy tortilla chips—for a festive touch!

Common Mistakes

As with any recipe, the road to Taco Lasagna perfection may have a few bumps:

• Overbaking can result in a rubbery texture. Keep an eye on it, as every oven varies slightly.
• Texture issues often arise if the cheese isn’t shredded properly or if ingredients are over-mixed.
• Messes can occur if you use too much filling. Stick to the recipe’s layering so everything holds together beautifully when served.

Storing Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Taco Lasagna stores wonderfully.

• Divide portions and place in airtight containers to freeze for future meals.
• Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm, adding a touch of cheese if desired for extra gooeyness.

Temptation to Bake ASAP!

With each bite of Taco Lasagna, you’ll be indulging in layers of flavor and comfort that simply beg to be savored. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience to share with family and friends. Grab your ingredients and dive into the deliciousness today—you won’t regret it!

FAQs

1. Can I make Taco Lasagna ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can assemble it a day in advance, just be sure to cover it tightly in the fridge.

2. Is Taco Lasagna freezable?
   Yes! It freezes well. Cut it into portions before freezing for quick meals later.

3. What can I substitute for beef?
   Turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian substitutes like lentils or mushrooms work beautifully!

4. How long does leftover Taco Lasagna last in the fridge?
   Properly stored, it can last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

5. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes! Substitute dairy-free cheese and omit sour cream, or use a dairy-free alternative.

Experience the delicious, comforting layers of Taco Lasagna that rescue your mealtimes and send your taste buds into wild delight! Happy cooking!

Taco Lasagna

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Taco Lasagna is a delightful fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines, featuring layers of tortillas, seasoned beef, black beans, and gooey cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 30
• Total Time: 45
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican, Italian
• Diet: Beef

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 pound 85 percent lean ground beef
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 Tablespoons chili powder
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
• 1 15-ounce jar medium salsa (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 6 8-inch flour tortillas, divided
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded, divided
• 8 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded, divided
• 1 14.75-ounce can creamed corn, divided
• Sour cream, for serving
• Chopped tomatoes, for serving
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a 13 by 9-inch baking dish with vegetable oil.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour in 1 Tablespoon of oil.
4. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, stirring occasionally until tender (about 7 minutes).
5. Toss in the garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
6. Add ground beef, seasoning it with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink (about 6 minutes).
7. Drain excess fat, then add chili powder, flour, and cumin. Stir until well-coated (about 1 minute).
8. Pour in black beans, salsa, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
9. Remove from heat.
10. Spread a small amount of beef mixture across the bottom of the baking dish and layer two tortillas on top.
11. Sprinkle one-quarter of cheddar and pepper Jack cheese over the tortillas.
12. Follow with half of the creamed corn and half of the beef mixture.
13. Repeat layering with two more tortillas, another quarter of cheese, remaining creamed corn, and beef mixture.
14. Top with the last two tortillas and finish with remaining cheese.
15. Bake for about 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
16. Let it cool for about 10 minutes, then drizzle with sour cream and garnish with onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.

Notes

For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken and whole-wheat tortillas. This dish can be made ahead of time and frozen for later meals.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg