Snack On Meat

You are here: Home / All RECIPES / Mexican Lasagna (Tex-Mex Tortilla Casserole)

Mexican Lasagna (Tex-Mex Tortilla Casserole)

Let’s clear one thing up—“Mexican lasagna” isn’t truly Mexican, and it’s not traditional lasagna either. Instead, it’s a delicious Tex-Mex-inspired casserole that layers corn tortillas with bold, familiar flavors like seasoned beef, beans, enchilada sauce, and lots of melty cheese. It’s also commonly known as enchilada casserole or stacked enchiladas.

This dish is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a rich, cheesy comfort meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd.

A Dish with Inspiration

While the exact origin of Mexican lasagna isn’t clear, it shares similarities with pastel azteca, a traditional Mexican layered dish made with tortillas, sauce, and fillings like chicken and chiles. This Tex-Mex version takes a more Americanized approach, using ground beef, red enchilada sauce, and plenty of cheese for a heartier twist.

Why You’ll Love It

  • Loaded with Tex-Mex flavors: Think seasoned beef, refried beans, corn, and green chiles layered together.
  • Super cheesy: Every bite is gooey, melty, and satisfying.
  • Great for groups: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
  • Flexible & customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on what you have.

Key Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas: Replace pasta layers and give authentic texture.
  • Ground beef: The hearty base of the filling.
  • Onion & bell pepper: Build flavor depth.
  • Taco seasoning: Adds bold, spiced flavor quickly.
  • Enchilada sauce: Brings everything together with a rich, tangy taste.
  • Refried beans: Help hold layers and prevent sogginess.
  • Cheese blend: Cheddar and Monterey Jack for the ultimate melt.

How to Make Mexican Lasagna

1. Prepare the filling
Cook onion and bell pepper until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning, cooking until fragrant.

2. Add final ingredients
Mix in corn and green chiles, then stir in most of the enchilada sauce. Remove from heat.

3. Assemble the layers

  • Spread enchilada sauce in a baking dish
  • Add tortillas
  • Spread refried beans
  • Add beef mixture
  • Sprinkle cheese

Repeat layers, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and cheese on top.

4. Bake
Bake until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Customization Ideas

  • Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or chorizo
  • Use black beans instead of pinto
  • Try green enchilada sauce for a different flavor
  • Add veggies like zucchini, sweet potatoes, or spinach
  • Use cheeses like Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Colby Jack

Serving Suggestions

Top your Mexican lasagna with:

  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sour cream
  • Pico de gallo
  • Avocado or guacamole
  • Pickled jalapeños

Serve with a simple salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate before baking
  • Store leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through

Final Thoughts

Mexican lasagna is the ultimate comfort casserole—easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with bold Tex-Mex flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish guarantees full plates and happy smiles.

Mexican Lasagna (Tex-Mex Tortilla Casserole) — Just Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 8–10

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 packet taco seasoning (or 3 tbsp)
  • 2 cups frozen corn
  • 1 can (7 oz) diced green chiles, drained
  • 2 cans (10 oz each) red enchilada sauce
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 18 small corn tortillas
  • 1 can (16 oz) refried beans

Optional Toppings:
Cilantro, sour cream, avocado, pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook filling:
    Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion and bell pepper; cook until soft.
    Add ground beef and cook until browned.
    Stir in tomato paste and taco seasoning; cook 2 minutes.
  3. Add ingredients:
    Mix in corn and green chiles.
    Reserve 1 cup enchilada sauce, then stir remaining sauce into the beef mixture. Season if needed.
  4. Layer casserole:
    • Spread some reserved sauce on bottom of baking dish
    • Add tortillas
    • Spread half the refried beans
    • Add half the beef mixture
    • Sprinkle cheese
    Repeat layers, finishing with tortillas, sauce, and remaining cheese.
  5. Bake:
    Bake 30–35 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
  6. Rest & serve:
    Let cool 10 minutes before slicing. Add toppings if desired.