When the usual meal rotation feels a bit too routine, it’s a joy to spice things up with flavors from the southwest. This Mexican Lasagna recipe does exactly that, blending the comforting layers of traditional lasagna with bold, zesty ingredients that capture the essence of Mexican cuisine. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that combines meat, beans, and cheese with a delightful kick of heat, making it a perfect centerpiece for a family dinner where diverse tastes converge.
A Culinary Fusion to Delight Every Palate
The beauty of this Mexican Lasagna lies in its ability to merge the familiar with the exotic, offering a culinary adventure without leaving the comfort of your kitchen. Each layer of this dish is thoughtfully assembled to maximize flavor, ensuring that every bite delivers a burst of hearty goodness and spicy allure. Whether you’re catering to spice enthusiasts or those who appreciate a milder taste, this lasagna adjusts to all preferences and promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
- Serving: 6-8 people
- Equipment: Large skillet, medium-size baking pan (about 8×11 inches)
Recipe Title: Non-Traditional Mexican Lasagna
Ingredients:
- Olive oil, for drizzling in pan
- 1/2 small yellow onion, grated or finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 10 oz can enchilada sauce
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 oz can fire-roasted diced green chiles
- 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn
- 12 oz Mexican cheese blend
- 6 oz can sliced olives, drained
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- Large flour tortillas
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil. Add the ground beef, onion, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Continue to cook, allowing the flavors to meld together while you prepare the baking pan.
- Layer the Lasagna: Smooth one-third of the enchilada sauce over the bottom of the baking pan. Cover the sauce with flour tortillas, slightly overlapping them. Spoon half of the beef mixture over the tortillas, spreading evenly.
- Build Layers: Place another layer of tortillas on top of the beef mixture. Smooth another third of the enchilada sauce over the tortillas, then half of the cheese and all the green chiles. Add the remaining beef mixture.
- Top It Off: Cover with a final layer of tortillas, the remaining enchilada sauce, and cheese. Garnish with olives and scallions.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro, and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Dive Into the Layers
Each layer of this Mexican Lasagna is a testament to the power of combining simple ingredients to create something extraordinary. This dish not only caters to a variety of taste preferences but also brings a festive flair to any meal. Serve it with a side of guacamole and a refreshing margarita for a complete Mexican-themed dining experience that your family and friends will love.
