Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Mexican lasagna is a fusion dish that combines elements of both Mexican and Italian cuisines. It is not a traditional dish with deep historical roots but a modern creation reflecting the global influence on culinary traditions. The dish likely originated in the United States, where diverse cuisines worldwide come together to create innovative and unique recipes.

The idea behind Mexican lasagna is to take the layered structure of Italian lasagna and infuse it with Mexican flavors. The layers typically consist of tortillas or pasta sheets, Mexican-style fillings, seasoned ground meat, beans, corn, cheese, and sometimes a sauce with Mexican spices and ingredients. It’s essentially a creative twist on traditional lasagna, substituting ingredients to give it a Mexican flair.

The exact origin of Mexican lasagna is difficult to pinpoint, as fusion dishes like this tend to evolve in home kitchens and restaurants across the United States. Over time, it has become a popular and versatile dish that can be customized with various ingredients to suit individual tastes. While it may not have a specific origin story or a single creator, it has certainly found a place in American and international cuisine, appreciated for its unique blend of flavors.

Mexican Lasagna Recipe

If you’d like to make a Mexican lasagna using traditional lasagna pasta sheets, you can follow this recipe. This version uses lasagna noodles in place of tortillas to create the layers:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Layers:

• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions and drained

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups sour cream
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese

Preparation Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until the onions are translucent.
4. Stir in the taco seasoning mix, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, salsa, and black olives (if using). Cook for a few more minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix the sour cream, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl to create the sauce.
6. To assemble the Mexican lasagna, spread a small amount of sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
7. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on the sauce.
8. Add a layer of the meat and bean mixture, a layer of shredded cheese, and a drizzle of the sauce.
9. Repeat with another layer of noodles and continue layering until you’ve used all the filling, noodles, and sauce.
10. Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles, the remaining sauce, and a generous sprinkling of cheese.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden on top.
13. Allow the Mexican lasagna to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

For a complete meal, serve your Mexican lasagna with additional salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or sliced avocado. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired dish with a lasagna twist!