Flavor-Packed Pioneer Woman Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Mexican lasagna blends unexpected culinary traditions into one mouthwatering dish that transforms ordinary dinner routines.

Comfort food lovers will appreciate this hearty fusion that combines robust flavors and layered textures.

Rich ingredients dance together, creating a memorable meal that feels simultaneously familiar and exciting.

Home cooks can craft this remarkable recipe with simple pantry staples and minimal kitchen expertise.

Layers of tortillas, seasoned meats, and melted cheeses promise a satisfying experience that transcends traditional recipe boundaries.

Why Mexican Lasagna Brings Big Flavor

• Spice Up Your Comfort Zone: This Mexican lasagna transforms traditional comfort food with a zesty twist, blending familiar layered techniques with bold southwestern flavors that dance on your taste buds.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Magic: Requiring just 55 minutes from start to finish, this recipe offers a speedy solution for busy families craving a hearty, satisfying dinner without hours of kitchen labor.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Packed with flexible ingredients like ground beef, rice, and multiple cheese options, home cooks can easily adjust spice levels and swap components to match personal preferences or pantry availability.

What You Need for Mexican Lasagna Layers

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source with robust flavor that adds depth to the dish.
• Rice: Fluffy base grain that absorbs and complements other flavors in the lasagna.
• Tortillas: Soft Mexican-style bread that creates layered structure for the casserole.

• Tomatoes, Onions, Garlic: Fresh aromatics that provide foundational flavor and texture.
• Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds color and fresh kernel texture to the layers.
• Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin: Classic Mexican spices that create warm, complex seasoning profile.

• Salsa Verde: Tangy green sauce that provides moisture and traditional Mexican taste.
• Enchilada Sauce: Robust red sauce adding additional depth and traditional Mexican flavor.
• Cheese: Melty binding ingredient that connects layers and provides creamy richness.

• Beans: Optional protein-rich component that can add extra texture.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb for bright garnish and traditional Mexican touch.
• Sour Cream: Cool, creamy topping that balances spicy flavors.
• Taco Seasoning or Cayenne Pepper: Optional final spice layer for extra kick.

How to Build a Bold Mexican Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook rice in chicken broth. Season lightly with salt. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve fluffy texture.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

• 2 tomatoes
• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves

• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin

Mix thoroughly until vegetables are well-coated.

Step 3: Create Rice Mixture

Fold cooked rice into sautéed vegetables. Add 1 can of black beans (undrained) for extra texture and flavor.

Step 4: Brown Delicious Beef

• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Pinch of salt

Add water to create slightly saucy consistency. Cook until meat is completely browned.

Step 5: Build First Lasagna Layer

Spread 1 jar salsa verde across bottom of 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer corn tortillas, slightly overlapping to cover entire surface.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Rice Layer

Spread 1/2 of rice mixture over tortillas. Sprinkle shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly across surface.

Step 7: Create Sauce Layer

Add another layer of tortillas. Pour 1 can enchilada sauce uniformly over tortillas.

Step 8: Add Hearty Meat Layer

Spread browned ground beef across sauce. Distribute corn kernels evenly over beef.

Step 9: Final Flavor Layers

Add remaining rice mixture. Pour second jar of salsa verde. Top with remaining cheese.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Sprinkle top with taco seasoning or cayenne pepper for extra kick. Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes until cheese melts and edges turn golden brown.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Let lasagna rest 10 minutes after baking. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and dollops of sour cream. Slice and serve hot.

Smart Tips for Easy Mexican Lasagna Prep

• Spice Up Your Mix: Blend ground turkey with traditional beef for a lighter, more complex protein profile that surprises taste buds.
• Maximize Melting Potential: Grate fresh cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties to create smoother, more luxurious cheese layers that coat every ingredient.
• Strategic Edge Coverage: Push rice, meat, and cheese mixture completely to dish borders, preventing dry spots and ensuring consistent flavor in each delicious bite.
• Heat Wave Technique: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños or roasted green chilies directly into meat mixture for subtle, controlled spiciness that doesn't overwhelm.
• Cheese Depth Hack: Combine sharp cheddar with Mexican blend cheese to introduce a tangy, rich undertone that elevates the entire lasagna experience.

How to Store Mexican Lasagna Without Soggy Layers

• Airtight Container Method: Slide cooled lasagna into a sturdy, leak-proof container with a tight-sealing lid. Prevent moisture and odors from seeping in by ensuring the seal is completely secure. This approach keeps your Mexican Lasagna fresh and protects its delicious layers from absorbing other refrigerator smells.
• Portion Freezing Method: Divide the lasagna into individual serving sizes before freezing. Wrap each portion tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor for up to 3 months. Label bags with the date to track freshness.
• Vacuum Sealing Method: Use a vacuum sealer for the ultimate long-term storage solution. Press out all air pockets and create an ultra-tight seal that locks in flavor and prevents freezer crystallization.

Fun Twists on Classic Mexican Lasagna

• Chicken Fiesta Edition: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option, maintaining the same spice profile and layering technique.
• Vegetarian Mexican Stack: Swap ground beef with black beans or plant-based crumbles, adding extra roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for more depth and nutrition.
• Seafood Southwest Style: Substitute beef with sautéed shrimp or white fish, incorporating a lighter seafood flavor while keeping the classic Mexican lasagna structure and spice blend.
• Green Chile Lovers' Version: Increase salsa verde quantity, add diced green chiles to each layer, and mix extra green chili peppers into the rice mixture for an intensified green chile flavor profile.

Wrapping Up Your Mexican Lasagna Night

Culinary adventurers will discover Mexican lasagna as pure comfort wrapped in layers of cultural richness.

Southwestern spices dance through tender tortillas, transforming everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Cheese melts luxuriously between robust beef and fragrant rice, creating symphonic flavor profiles.

Authentic Mexican traditions merge seamlessly with classic Italian layering techniques in this innovative dish.

Home kitchens become gastronomic playgrounds where creativity knows no boundaries.

Passionate cooks, savor each bite, share this spectacular recipe across social media platforms, spark conversation with fellow culinary enthusiasts, and inspire delicious connections through your masterful creation.

Pioneer Woman Mexican Lasagna Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty Mexican Lasagna brings zesty layers of spicy ground beef, tortillas, and melted cheese together in one comforting casserole. Southwestern flavors combine with classic Italian-inspired techniques, creating a crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 pounds lean ground beef

Grains and Beans:

• 4 cups uncooked rice
• 1 to 2 cans of black or pinto beans, optional
• Flour tortillas

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 4 to 8 tomatoes, adjust to your preference
• 2 to 3 onions, based on your liking
• 8 to 14 cloves of garlic, as preferred
• 3 cans corn, drained

Liquids and Sauces:

• 6 to 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 jars (16 ounces each) salsa verde
• 1 jar (16 ounce) enchilada sauce

Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1.5 tablespoons paprika
• 1.5 tablespoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon butter

Dairy and Toppings:

• 3 packages (16 ounces each) of Mexican cheese blend
• Sour cream, to taste
• Cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful base by cooking rice in rich chicken broth, infusing it with a delicate salt seasoning. Ensure the rice is fluffy and fully absorbed with the savory liquid.
2. Create a vibrant vegetable medley by finely dicing ripe tomatoes, sweet onions, and aromatic garlic. Gently sauté the mixture in creamy butter until the ingredients release their fragrant essence.
3. Enhance the vegetable mixture with a robust blend of spices: chili powder, smoky paprika, and earthy cumin. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture.
4. Fold the perfectly cooked rice into the spiced vegetable mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Incorporate the beans, maintaining their hearty character.
5. In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef with a generous sprinkle of spices. Pour 4-6 fluid ounces (120-180 milliliters) of water to create a rich, savory sauce. Cook until the meat is fully caramelized and tender.
6. Prepare the baking dish by spreading a generous layer of salsa verde across the bottom, creating a zesty foundation for the enchilada lasagna.
7. Carefully arrange a layer of tortillas over the salsa verde, allowing them to slightly overlap and create a solid base for the subsequent layers.
8. Distribute half of the rice and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas, ensuring complete coverage of the base layer.
9. Sprinkle a generous portion of cheese over the rice mixture, creating a melty, golden blanket of flavor.
10. Add another layer of tortillas, then pour enchilada sauce uniformly to infuse the dish with additional moisture and tang.
11. Spread the seasoned ground beef across the sauce, creating a hearty protein layer.
12. Scatter the corn kernels over the beef, adding a sweet and textural element to the composition.
13. Complete the layering process by adding the remaining rice mixture and a second layer of salsa verde.
14. Top the dish with the remaining cheese, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
15. Dust the top with taco seasoning or a hint of cayenne pepper for an extra flavor kick.
16. Bake the enchilada lasagna in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-35 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts and develops a slightly crisp, golden-brown finish.
17. Allow the dish to rest and settle for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro and dollops of cool, creamy sour cream before serving.

Notes

• Versatile dinnertime solution that transforms boring meals into exciting culinary adventures.
• One-pot wonder reduces kitchen cleanup and maximizes flavor efficiency.
• Budget-friendly ingredients ensure you can create restaurant-quality meals without breaking the bank.
• Easily adaptable for dietary restrictions by swapping proteins or using plant-based alternatives.
• Meal prep champions can store portions for quick future dinners, maintaining maximum taste and texture.
• Delivers a perfect balance of comfort food satisfaction with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg