Taco Lasagna: A Delicious Twist on Classic Comfort Food

Taco lasagna is a mouthwatering dish that combines the best elements of two beloved foods—tacos and lasagna. Instead of the traditional lasagna layers of pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, this dish uses soft flour tortillas as the base, layered with seasoned ground beef, zesty taco seasoning, beans, and all the fixings you’d find in a delicious taco. The result is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

This dish is special because it’s surprisingly simple to make, comes together quickly, and is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s family-friendly, meaning kids will love the combination of their favorite taco toppings in a lasagna format. If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful meal that breaks away from the ordinary, taco lasagna is the dish you’ve been waiting for.

Cuisine and Origins

While lasagna has its roots in Italian cuisine, taco lasagna is a creative fusion of cuisines. It takes the classic Italian comfort food and gives it a spicy Southwest twist by incorporating popular taco ingredients like seasoned ground beef, beans, and a variety of cheeses. This dish is a great example of how traditional dishes can be reinvented with a fresh, modern twist.

Recipe

1. Preparation, Cooking, and Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Serves: 6 people

Start by gathering all your ingredients so you have everything on hand. This dish requires minimal prep time and can be assembled quickly once you get into the flow. Even better, it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to bake it.

2. Notes to the Reader

Make-Ahead Tip: If you want to save time on a busy evening, assemble the taco lasagna and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.
Leftovers: This dish freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until bubbly.
Possible Variations: Customize this dish by adding or substituting ingredients. Try adding black olives, diced bell peppers, or even a layer of sliced avocado for an extra creamy texture. You can also switch up the protein by using turkey or chicken instead of beef.

3. Ingredients

12 large flour tortillas (such as Burrito or Taco sized)
1.5 lbs ground beef
1 jar (24 oz) salsa (any variety you prefer)
1 can (15 oz) refried beans
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 avocado, sliced (optional for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)

4. Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and garlic until the beef is cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the taco seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add the refried beans and salsa. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Set aside.
Assemble the Lasagna: In a large baking dish (approximately 9×13 inches), lay down 4 tortillas. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture over the tortillas. Sprinkle with some cheddar and Monterey jack cheeses. Repeat the lay
ers, using all the tortillas and filling, ending with a layer of cheese on top. For added crunch, you can sprinkle some tortilla strips over the top before baking.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish and Serve: Let the taco lasagna cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with avocado slices and fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm with a side of chips, a salad, or some garlic bread.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sodium: 780 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45 g
Dietary Fiber: 5 g
Total Sugars: 3 g
Protein: 25 g

Each serving of this delicious taco lasagna is packed with satisfying flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it a balanced meal that the whole family will enjoy. The combination of hearty ground beef, zesty seasoning, and creamy cheeses provides a good mix of protein, carbs, and fats to keep you full and satisfied.

Taco lasagna is the perfect meal to bring together the whole family or to enjoy as a comforting, flavorful dish on a cozy night in. Its simplicity, quick preparation, and delicious flavors make it a standout in any cuisine, whether you’re aiming for a stay-at-home dinner or an impressive dish for family gatherings. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it in the comments below!