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Easy Taco Lasagna

Easy Taco Lasagna

Easy Taco Lasagna is a quick, delicious, and family-friendly dish that combines the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting layers of a cheesy lasagna. Ready in under 30 minutes, it uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and baking in one pan for effortless cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers versatile options to customize for vegetarian, gluten-free, or spicier preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
  • 1/2 cup refried beans

Seasonings and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Layers and Base

  • 912 no-boil lasagna noodles or soft tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa or enchilada sauce

Cheeses

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Sour cream
  • Avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey with chopped onions and minced garlic until browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in taco seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Simmer until the mixture thickens and becomes flavorful.
  2. Layer the Base: Spread a thin layer of salsa or enchilada sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking and add moisture. Arrange a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles or tortillas evenly across the base.
  3. Add Filling Layers: Spread half of the meat mixture over the pasta or tortillas, then add dollops of refried beans and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layering with noodles, remaining meat, beans, and cheese to build hearty, flavorful layers.
  4. Top and Bake: Finish with a final layer of noodles or tortillas, topped with the remaining salsa and shredded cheeses. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes to brown the cheese on top.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the Easy Taco Lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set and allow for clean, neat slicing. Serve topped with optional fresh cilantro, sour cream, jalapeños, or avocado slices as desired.

Notes

  • Use no-boil noodles or soft tortillas to save time and keep layers moist.
  • Ensure to evenly layer taco seasoning within the meat mixture for deep flavor.
  • Cover with foil during baking to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
  • Allow the dish to cool before cutting to improve texture and portion integrity.
  • Customize the cheese blend for varying flavors, such as using pepper jack or queso fresco.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground meat with black beans or lentils.
  • To make it gluten-free, replace noodles with corn tortillas or gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: taco lasagna, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Mexican lasagna, comfort food, quick dinner, family friendly, gluten-free taco lasagna