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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the baking dish by spreading a generous layer of salsa verde across the bottom, creating a zesty foundation for the enchilada lasagna.
- Carefully arrange a layer of tortillas over the salsa verde, allowing them to slightly overlap and create a solid base for the subsequent layers.
- Distribute half of the rice and vegetable mixture evenly over the tortillas, ensuring complete coverage of the base layer.
- Sprinkle a generous portion of cheese over the rice mixture, creating a melty, golden blanket of flavor.
- Add another layer of tortillas, then pour enchilada sauce uniformly to infuse the dish with additional moisture and tang.
- Spread the seasoned ground beef across the sauce, creating a hearty protein layer.
- Scatter the corn kernels over the beef, adding a sweet and textural element to the composition.
- Complete the layering process by adding the remaining rice mixture and a second layer of salsa verde.
- Top the dish with the remaining cheese, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
- Dust the top with taco seasoning or a hint of cayenne pepper for an extra flavor kick.
- 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.
- 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