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Mexican Taco Lasagna Bake (Quick & Flavorful) - A Weeknight Favorite

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2–3 tablespoons homemade)
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (frozen and thawed or canned, drained)
  • 8–10 small corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocado, salsa, jalapeños, lime wedges

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the aromatics and meat: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Season and build the sauce: Sprinkle in taco seasoning. Add diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce. Stir in black beans and corn. Simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
  4. Prep a cheese station: In a bowl, combine the shredded cheeses or keep them separate. This makes layering quick.
  5. Layer one: Spread a thin spoonful of the meat mixture over the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking. Arrange a layer of tortillas on top (tear to fit). Spoon over a generous layer of the meat mixture, then sprinkle with cheese.
  6. Layer two and three: Repeat tortillas, meat mixture, and cheese for 2 more layers. Finish with a final tortilla layer and a solid blanket of cheese on top. You should end with cheese on top.
  7. Bake: Cover the dish loosely with foil (tent so it doesn’t stick to the cheese) and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 8–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Rest and top: Let it rest 10 minutes to set for cleaner slices. Sprinkle with cilantro and add your favorite toppings.
  9. Serve: Cut into squares like lasagna. Add a squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream for extra pop.