Flour tortillas: soft taco size wraps create tender layers and do not dry out
Refried beans: add flavor and a creamy base choose a can with minimal ingredients for best taste
Ground beef: gives a satisfying and hearty texture choose 80 percent lean for flavor without too much grease
Taco seasoning: infuses the casserole with zesty aroma use your own blend or your favorite packet
Grated cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice: melts into gooey layers Colby Jack and pepper jack are tasty alternatives
Water: helps blend the taco seasoning into the beef mixture
Optional onions bell pepper and garlic: add extra flavor and fragrance fresh produce gives the best results
Mexican style diced tomatoes: add moisture and tang choose no salt added if you prefer to control sodium
Black beans: bring more protein and fiber look for cans labeled low sodium and rinse before using
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Beef Mixture:
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat breaking it apart as it cooks until no pink remains For extra flavor add onions garlic and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté together with the beef
Season and Simmer:
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the cooked beef then pour in water Stir thoroughly to combine Let it simmer for about five minutes so the flavors meld If adding tomatoes or black beans stir them in now and continue simmering uncovered for five to ten more minutes The mixture should be thick but not dry
Set Up the Oven and Dish:
Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees and lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish This keeps the lasagna from sticking when serving later
Layer the Lasagna:
Place two tortillas along the bottom of the baking dish Spread half the warmed refried beans over the tortillas then top with half of the beef mixture Add a generous layer of grated cheese to cover everything
Repeat and Finish the Layers:
Add two more tortillas followed by the rest of the beans and beef mixture Top with another big handful of cheese Cover with the last two tortillas and scatter the remaining cheese evenly over the top
Bake to Perfection:
Cover the dish with foil and bake for twenty five minutes This keeps the layers soft and helps the cheese melt fully Remove the foil and return to the oven for an additional ten minutes to get a golden cheesy top that is a little crisp around the edges
Serve and Garnish:
Let the lasagna rest for about five minutes before slicing for best results Serve with toppings like shredded lettuce sour cream avocado and salsa or whatever your family enjoys
A cheesy taco lasagna on a plate.
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A cheesy taco lasagna on a plate. | lilicooks.com
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You Must Know
Perfect for meal prep this dish holds up in the fridge for three days
Offers endless flexibility with fillings and cheese types
Can easily be made gluten free by choosing corn tortillas
Cheddar cheese is my favorite here because it browns nicely on top but my son loves pepper jack for a spicy kick Making this together is a family tradition and everyone picks their own toppings which turns dinnertime into an event
Storage Tips
Leftover taco lasagna stores well in the fridge for up to three days and actually tastes even better after the flavors mingle You can also slice and wrap individual pieces to freeze for easy grab and go lunches To reheat cover with foil and bake or use the microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist
Ingredient Substitutions
Turkey or ground chicken makes a lighter twist or use black beans instead of meat for a vegetarian version Greek yogurt is great instead of sour cream for serving and corn tortillas work for gluten free needs If you do not have taco seasoning a mix of cumin chili powder and smoked paprika delivers similar results
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy casserole needs just a fresh side salad or quick guacamole to feel complete I often serve it family style with bowls of toppings so everyone can personalize their plate Chopped cilantro lime wedges and hot sauce are always on our table
