Mexican Lasagna Recipe With Creamy Avocado-Tomatillo Verde Layers

Name: mexican lasagna recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.1 lb lean ground beef (for a hearty, savory filling); 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (to cook the beef and roast veggies); 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (adds essential aromatic depth); 3 cloves garlic, minced (infuses the beef filling with rich flavor); 2 teaspoons chili powder (the backbone of our seasoning); 1 teaspoon ground cumin (brings warm, earthy notes); 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for classic herby undertones); 1 teaspoon salt (seasons the beef to perfection); 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained (pinto beans work too); 12-15 (6-inch diameter) corn tortillas (flour tortillas are an easy swap); 8.8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for a creamy, mild melt); 8.8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese (adds a bolder, tangy cheesy layer); 1.3 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed (key for our vibrant, tangy verde sauce); 1 medium jalapeño pepper, stemmed (remove seeds for less heat); 2 cloves garlic, peeled (roasted alongside the tomatillos for depth); 0.5 cup (packed) fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (essential for a bright, fresh sauce); 2 medium ripe avocados, pitted and scooped (creates the sauce’s signature creamy texture); 2 tablespoons lime juice (from 1-2 limes, for bright, fresh acidity); 0.5 cup vegetable broth (chicken broth is also a great choice); 0.5 teaspoon salt (to perfectly balance the verde sauce)

I’m so excited to share this simple way to get a hearty dinner on the table! This easy mexican lasagna recipe is your answer for those busy weeknights, offering melty, bubbly cheese and rich flavors in every bite. Transform simple pantry ingredients into a comforting family-friendly feast that brings joy to the dinner table. Our foolproof method ensures a beloved, tested comfort food. Get ready for delicious layers of seasoned meat, beans, tortillas, and cheese, all baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients for Your Easy Mexican Lasagna

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delicious mexican lasagna recipe. My family loves this combination of textures and flavors, making it one of our favorite easy dinner ideas.

Core ingredients:

500 g (1.1 lb) lean ground beef: For a hearty, savory filling.
2 tablespoons (30 mL) olive oil, divided: To cook the beef and roast veggies.
1 large yellow onion, finely diced: Adds essential aromatic depth.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the beef filling with rich flavor.
2 teaspoons (10 g) chili powder: The backbone of our seasoning.
1 teaspoon (5 g) ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes.
1 teaspoon (2 g) dried oregano: For classic herby undertones.
1 teaspoon (5 g) salt: Seasons the beef to perfection.
1 can (425 g / 15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained: Adds fiber and texture (pinto beans work too if that’s what’s on hand).
12-15 (15 cm / 6-inch diameter) corn tortillas: Our sturdy, delicious layers (flour tortillas are an easy swap for a softer lasagna).
250 g (8.8 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese: For a creamy, mild melt.
250 g (8.8 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a bolder, tangy cheesy layer.
600 g (1.3 lb) tomatillos, husked and rinsed: Key for our vibrant, tangy verde sauce.
1 medium jalapeño pepper, stemmed: Provides a gentle kick (remove seeds for less heat).
2 cloves garlic, peeled: Roasted alongside the tomatillos for depth.
1/2 cup (12 g) packed fresh cilantro, roughly chopped: Essential for a bright, fresh sauce.
2 medium ripe avocados, pitted and scooped: Creates the sauce’s signature creamy texture.
2 tablespoons (30 mL) lime juice: From 1-2 limes, for bright, fresh acidity.
120 mL (1/2 cup) vegetable broth: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency (chicken broth is also a great choice).
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) salt: To perfectly balance the verde sauce.

Optional add-ins & smart swaps:

Diced green chiles or a dash of hot sauce can amp up the heat for an adult-friendly twist.
For a lighter mexican lasagna, consider low-carb tortillas as a base.

Premium/healthy variations:

Choose organic ingredients like pasture-raised ground beef for a wholesome option.
Opt for fresh, local produce like ripe avocados and cilantro from your farmer’s market.

Seasonal or freshness notes:

Fresh cilantro for garnish and lime wedges for serving truly elevate the flavors.
A garden tomato pico de gallo on the side adds a burst of freshness.

Step-by-Step Preparation for a Perfect Mexican Lasagna

Crafting this flavorful mexican lasagna recipe is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for truly hearty family-friendly meals!

Numbered cooking steps:

Prepare Tomatillo Base: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). On a baking sheet, toss husked tomatillos, jalapeño, and 2 peeled garlic cloves with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Roast for 20-25 minutes until soft and slightly charred. Let cool slightly.
Make Creamy Verde Sauce: Blend roasted mixture with cilantro, avocado, lime juice, and vegetable broth until smooth and creamy. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. The sauce should be vibrant green. Set aside 1/4 cup (60 mL) for garnish.
Cook Beef Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Brown ground beef, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat; if too greasy, your mexican lasagna recipe may become watery.
Season Beef Filling: Add diced onion; cook 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cook 1 minute more until fragrant. Stir in black beans. Remove from heat.
Assemble Layers: Reduce oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 23×33 cm (9×13-inch) baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup verde sauce on bottom. Layer tortillas (about 4-5), half beef, then 1/3 cheese. Drizzle another 1/2 cup verde sauce. Repeat layers: tortillas, remaining beef, 1/3 cheese, 1/2 cup verde sauce. Finish with tortillas, remaining cheese, and last 1/2 cup verde sauce. It will look like a structured tower.
Bake Lasagna: Cover dish loosely with foil; bake 25 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15-20 minutes more, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Sauce should be bubbling around edges.
Rest and Serve: Remove mexican lasagna recipe from oven. Rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows layers to set for clean cuts.

Inline options for special diets:

For a low-carb meals version, use low-carb tortillas or even layers of grilled zucchini slices instead of corn tortillas.
To make this mexican lasagna recipe vegetarian, replace ground beef with cooked lentils, extra black beans, or a plant-based ground substitute. This makes it a great healthy eating option.

Brief troubleshooting tips:

If your lasagna seems dry, ensure enough sauce between layers. Add vegetable broth to the verde sauce if too thick.
To avoid sogginess, ensure ground meat is well-drained before layering. I always give my ground beef a good press with a paper towel-lined spoon after draining.

Best Times to Enjoy and Storage Tips

This easy Mexican lasagna recipe is incredibly versatile, fitting perfectly into various mealtime scenarios. Its hearty nature makes it a household favorite for diverse occasions.

Situations: Ideal for busy weeknight family dinners, casual gatherings with friends, potlucks where you need a crowd-pleaser, or for make-ahead holiday meal prep.
Serving Pairings: Complement its rich flavors with a fresh green salad, cilantro lime rice, classic refried beans, creamy guacamole, a vibrant salsa, or a dollop of cooling sour cream.
Beverages: A refreshing iced tea, a sweet agua fresca, or a crisp sparkling water pair well.
Storage and Reheating: For convenience, store leftover Mexican lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, portion into individual servings and freeze for up to 2-3 months; it’s perfect for quick meal prep recipes. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes per serving.

Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Benefits of Mexican Lasagna

Beyond being incredibly delicious, this family-friendly dish offers several benefits that align with healthy eating and modern lifestyle needs.

Nutrient-Dense: It’s an excellent source of protein from lean ground meat and beans, fiber from the beans, corn, and tortillas, and calcium from the cheese.
Lasting Energy: A satisfying and nutrient-dense meal that provides sustained energy, perfect for keeping you going through busy days.
Hidden Veggies: An easy way to incorporate a variety of vegetables into family meals, often without anyone noticing.
Dietary Adaptability: Highly customizable to meet various dietary needs, easily made gluten-free or low-carb with simple ingredient swaps.
Meal Prep Friendly: Fantastic for quick meal prep recipes and batch cooking, ensuring you have wholesome, ready-to-eat meals on hand.
Family-Friendly: A comforting, wholesome choice that fits into easy healthy dinner ideas for the whole family.

How This Recipe Matches Everyday Goals

Our Mexican lasagna recipe isn’t just about taste; it’s designed to seamlessly integrate into your busy life and help you achieve everyday goals.

Budget-Friendly: This dish uses common, affordable pantry staples, making it an economical choice for family dinners.
Time-Saving: With minimal hands-on prep, it’s a truly bake-and-serve convenience that frees up your evenings.
Wellness Focus: Easily customizable for various dietary needs, it’s packed with flavor without sacrificing health goals.
Versatility: Adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand or prefer, reducing food waste and grocery trips.

Pro Tips and Adjustments with Mexican Lasagna

Elevate your Mexican lasagna recipe with these pro tips and adjustments for a perfect dish.

Technique Refinements: Drain excess fat from ground meat. Balance layers for even cooking and easy slicing. Let the dish rest 5-10 minutes post-bake for better flavor and cleaner cuts.
Seasoning & Spice: Adjust heat with chili powder, cumin, or cayenne. Offer hot sauce for individual preference.
Allergy & Kid-Friendly: Use gluten-free tortillas and dairy-free cheese as needed. For kids, use mild sauce, less spice, and extra cheese; I sometimes crush a few tortilla chips on top before baking for a fun, extra crunch.

FAQs

Q: Is Mexican lasagna good for weight loss?

A: It can be! To make a lighter, healthier option, focus on lean protein like ground turkey, load up on extra veggies, use low-carb tortillas, and practice sensible portion control. These small changes make a big impact.

Q: Where to buy quality ingredients?

A: Most grocery stores carry all the core ingredients you’ll need, from tortillas to ground beef and cheese. For organic produce, grass-fed beef, or specialty cheeses, check larger supermarkets or natural food stores for premium ingredient options.

Q: Can I use Mexican lasagna in meal prep plans?

A: Absolutely! This Mexican lasagna recipe is fantastic for meal prep. Bake a large batch, portion it out into individual containers, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat easily in the microwave or oven.

Q: What kind of tortillas work best?

A: Both corn and flour tortillas work wonderfully. Corn tortillas offer a more traditional flavor and hold up well to the sauce, while flour tortillas provide a softer, chewier texture. I usually go with corn for an authentic touch.

Q: How do I prevent my Mexican lasagna from being soggy?

A: To prevent sogginess, ensure your ground meat mixture is well-drained of fat before layering. Avoid adding too much extra liquid to the filling. For extra crispness, I sometimes lightly toast corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side before layering.

Q: Can I make vegetarian Mexican lasagna?

A: Yes, easily! Replace the ground meat with cooked lentils, extra black beans, or a plant-based ground substitute. Load up on your favorite veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious and hearty vegetarian Mexican lasagna.

Q: What’s the best cheese for Mexican lasagna?

A: A blend of Monterey Jack, cheddar, and a touch of cotija cheese is ideal for both flavor and melt. Monterey Jack offers great melt, while cheddar adds a sharp tang. Mozzarella can also be used for extra stretchiness and mildness.

Conclusion

This easy layered Mexican dish truly delivers on flavor, convenience, and family smiles, making weeknight dinners both simple and utterly delicious. I find it’s one of those easy healthy dinner ideas that everyone loves, so save this recipe to your Pinterest board for future family-friendly meals!