Description
A flavorful Mexican Lasagna combining layers of seasoned ground beef, refried beans, green chilies, and melted Mexican cheese, all baked to perfection with salsa and topped with creamy sour cream or Greek yogurt. This hearty casserole serves 12 and is perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Bean Mixture
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 16-ounce can refried beans
- 1 4-ounce can chopped green chilies
- 1 envelope taco seasoning
Lasagna Layers
- 12 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles
- 4 cups shredded Mexican or Colby Jack cheese, divided
- 1 16-ounce jar mild salsa
- 2 cups water
Toppings
- 2 cups sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 2.25-ounce can sliced black olives, drained (optional)
- Cilantro, diced tomatoes, and green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Mix Beans and Seasoning: Stir in the refried beans, chopped green chilies, and taco seasoning into the browned beef, blending well to create a flavorful beef and bean mixture.
- Assemble the First Layer: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Start layering with one-third of the uncooked lasagna noodles at the bottom, followed by one-third of the beef and bean mixture, and then sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheese over the top.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining noodles, beef mixture, and cheese, creating three layers total.
- Add Salsa Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the salsa and water and pour evenly over the layered lasagna to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, allowing the noodles to cook and flavors to meld.
- Add Final Toppings: Remove the foil, spread sour cream or Greek yogurt over the lasagna, sprinkle the black olives and the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake Again: Return the uncovered lasagna to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese topping.
- Let it Rest and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with diced tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro, if desired, before serving.
Notes
- Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream reduces fat and adds protein.
- Drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy lasagna.
- Optional toppings like olives, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs add color and extra flavor.
- Uncooked noodles cook fully during baking with the salsa and water mixture.
- Letting the dish rest before serving helps it hold its shape when sliced.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
