Weeknight Mexican Lasagna
Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Description: This Weeknight Mexican Lasagna recipe comes from my best friend and has become a beloved dish in my family. It’s a wonderful fusion of flavors that everyone enjoys, and it has been a hit at many potlucks. This hearty dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, with layers of Tex-Mex goodness baked to perfection.
Recipe Category: Meat
Keywords: Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Mexican, Potluck, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 419.4 kcal
- Fat Content: 15.9 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 8.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 62 mg
- Sodium Content: 1040 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 42.3 g
- Fiber Content: 6.4 g
- Sugar Content: 4.5 g
- Protein Content: 27.6 g
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 12 oz jar of salsa
- 2 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 1/2 cups sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Black olives, sliced (for garnish)
- Lasagna noodles (amount to cover layers, typically around 12 noodles, uncooked)
Instructions
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Cook the Beef Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the lean ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish lighter and less greasy.
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Season the Beef Mixture:
- Combine the cooked beef mixture with the chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed, creating a fragrant and flavorful meat base.
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Prepare the Baking Dish:
- In a 13 x 9-inch baking dish, place a layer of uncooked lasagna noodles. This will be the base layer that holds all the delicious fillings together.
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Layer the Ingredients:
- Spread half of the seasoned beef mixture over the noodles, ensuring even coverage. Add another layer of uncooked lasagna noodles on top of the beef mixture, followed by the remaining beef mixture. Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles.
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Add the Salsa Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of water with the salsa. Pour this mixture evenly over the top layer of noodles. The water helps to cook the noodles during baking, ensuring they become tender and absorb the flavorful salsa.
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Bake the Lasagna:
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 1/2 hours, or until the noodles are tender and the lasagna is heated through.
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Add the Cheese:
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the lasagna. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating a golden, delicious topping.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven, let the lasagna cool slightly before serving. Top with dollops of sour cream, sliced green onions, and black olives for added flavor and a colorful presentation.
Tips for the Best Weeknight Mexican Lasagna
- Choose Quality Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce the fat content without compromising on flavor. This makes the dish healthier and prevents it from becoming too greasy.
- Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic and a good quality salsa can make a significant difference in the overall taste of the dish. If possible, use homemade salsa for an extra burst of freshness.
- Layering Techniques: Ensure that each layer of noodles is fully covered with the beef mixture to avoid any dry spots in the lasagna. The water and salsa mixture is crucial for cooking the noodles to perfection.
- Cheese Choices: While Monterey Jack cheese is recommended for its mild flavor and excellent melting properties, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses such as cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend for added depth of flavor.
- Resting Time: Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the layers to set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Variations and Additions
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Incorporate vegetables such as bell peppers, corn, or black beans into the beef mixture for added texture and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Layers: For an extra cheesy lasagna, add a layer of cheese between each layer of noodles and beef mixture.
- Taco Seasoning: Use a packet of taco seasoning in place of the chili powder, oregano, and cumin for a convenient and flavorful twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Mexican lasagna pairs wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh green salad with a tangy lime vinaigrette. Serve with warm tortillas or tortilla chips for a complete Tex-Mex experience. Don’t forget to have some extra salsa, guacamole, and hot sauce on hand for those who like to customize their plates.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezing: This lasagna can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time. If freezing after baking, let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Weeknight Mexican Lasagna is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, bringing the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine into a comforting, layered casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying, yet easy to prepare. With its rich layers of seasoned beef, melty cheese, and tangy salsa, this dish is sure to become a family favorite and a go-to recipe for potlucks and gatherings. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the convenience of a one-dish meal that everyone will love.
