Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna is a comforting, oven-baked casserole that layers all your favorite taco ingredients in one delicious dish. With seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, hearty black beans, zesty salsa, soft tortillas, and melted Colby Jack cheese, this meal brings bold flavor and cheesy satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-Packed Layers: Every layer delivers taco goodness—meat, beans, cheese, and spice.

• Great for Feeding a Crowd: Serves 8 hearty portions, perfect for gatherings.

• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in advance and bake when ready.

• Family Favorite: Kid-friendly and endlessly customizable with toppings.

• One Dish Wonder: Everything bakes together in one pan for easy cleanup.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ pounds lean ground beef

• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced

• 1 cup onion, diced

• ¼ cup taco seasoning

• ⅔ cup water

• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

• ⅛ cup chopped cilantro

• 1½ cups thick salsa

• 9 taco-size tortillas

• 1 (14.5-ounce) can refried beans

• 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef, bell peppers, and onions until beef is browned. Drain any excess fat.

3. Stir in taco seasoning and water. Simmer on low for 1–2 minutes.

4. Add salsa, black beans, and cilantro to the skillet. Mix well and remove from heat.

5. Layer two tortillas in the bottom of the baking dish. Cut one tortilla in half to fill any gaps.

6. Spread ⅓ of the refried beans over the tortillas.

7. Add ⅓ of the taco meat mixture over the beans, followed by a thin layer of shredded cheese.

8. Repeat the layering process twice more, finishing with two tortillas and the remaining cheese on top.

9. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, removing the foil during the last 5 minutes to brown the cheese.

10. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Use spicy taco seasoning or add jalapeños between layers.

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.

• Different Cheeses: Try a blend of cheddar, pepper jack, or Mexican cheese mix.

• Tortilla Swap: Use flour or corn tortillas based on your preference.

• Extra Veggies: Add corn, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the fully baked and cooled lasagna in a tightly wrapped dish or individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of water and cover with foil if reheating in the oven to retain moisture.

FAQs

Can I make Taco Lasagna ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Taco-size flour tortillas are ideal, but corn tortillas can also be used for a more traditional flavor.

How do I keep the lasagna from getting soggy?

Use thick salsa and drain excess fat from the meat. Avoid overly wet ingredients.

Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

What toppings go well with taco lasagna?

Sour cream, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, avocado, green onions, and fresh cilantro are all great options.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well with the same seasonings.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and ensure all other ingredients, including taco seasoning, are gluten-free.

How do I make it less spicy for kids?

Use mild taco seasoning and salsa, and skip spicy toppings like jalapeños.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use two baking dishes or a larger pan to ensure even baking.

What’s the best way to serve leftovers?

Reheat individual portions and serve with a fresh side salad or extra toppings for a quick lunch or dinner.

Conclusion

Taco Lasagna is the perfect blend of comfort food and bold Mexican-inspired flavor. With layers of seasoned meat, beans, melty cheese, and tortillas, it’s a hearty dish that’s easy to prepare and a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish brings big flavor with minimal fuss.