Taco lasagna Recipe

If you’re ready for a bold twist on classic comfort food, this Taco lasagna takes all the irresistible flavors of taco night—zesty beef, creamy beans, and melty cheese—and layers them between sheets of pasta for a hearty, colorful, absolutely crowd-pleasing meal. The mashup of Italian technique and Mexican-inspired ingredients makes this dish a regular hit at my dinner table, perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at a casual gathering. Every forkful delivers a punch of flavor, a satisfying bite, and a dash of fun. Let’s make Taco lasagna your new go-to favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Taco lasagna is how easy it is to gather everything you need at your local store. Each ingredient is simple, but every one plays a vital role—bringing texture, bold flavor, and irresistible color to your finished lasagna.

• Ground beef: Lean ground beef builds the hearty, savory foundation and absorbs all those taco spices perfectly.
• Taco seasoning: A pre-mixed packet saves time, but feel free to use your own spice blend for extra personality.
• Water: Helps infuse all those wonderful taco seasonings into the cooked beef.
• Lasagna noodles: Traditional pasta noodles add structure and that satisfying layered texture.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty goodness to every bite—use freshly grated if possible!
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy melt and helps everything hold together.
• Refried beans: Extra creamy, they add substance and help bind the toppings within the layers.
• Salsa: A scoopful of flavor and mild heat that wakes up the whole dish.
• Sour cream: Creamy, tangy, and essential to balance the bold flavors.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh and crispy, these give a delicious pop of color and crunch.
• Sliced black olives: Earthy and briny, these little rounds add fun and flavor.
• Diced tomatoes: Bursts of freshness that lift the whole dish—drain them well so things don’t get watery.
• Chopped cilantro: Zesty, fragrant, and totally optional if you’re not a fan, but it brightens every bite.
• Garlic powder: Adds subtle depth to your final cheesy topping.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic and dials up the overall savoriness.

How to Make Taco lasagna

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the lasagna noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 8–10 minutes), stirring occasionally to keep them from sticking. When they’re tender but still firm, drain them in a colander and set aside. A quick toss with a little olive oil helps prevent sticking as you prep everything else.

Step 2: Make the Taco Beef Mixture

Heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s fully browned and cooked through—this should take about 6–8 minutes. Sprinkle in the taco seasoning and pour in the water, then stir and simmer the mixture for another 2–3 minutes, or until thick, fragrant, and everything is well coated in those delicious spices.

Step 3: Mix Beans and Salsa

In a medium bowl, combine the refried beans and salsa until thoroughly mixed. This creamy, flavorful spread forms the tasty bottom layer in your Taco lasagna and helps keep the noodles deliciously moist.

Step 4: Layer the Taco Lasagna

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and start by spreading about half of the bean and salsa mixture over the bottom. Arrange a single layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the top (about 4 noodles per layer), slightly overlapping if needed. Next, spoon half the taco beef over the noodles, spreading it out evenly, and sprinkle with half of your cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Finish this layer by dolloping and gently spreading half the sour cream. Scatter on half of the green onions, black olives, diced tomatoes, and cilantro. Repeat the process with the remaining beans, noodles, beef, cheese, sour cream, and toppings—ending with a generous final sprinkle of cheese, veggies, and herbs.

Step 5: Add Flavors and Cover

Once all your layers are assembled, sprinkle the garlic powder and onion powder evenly over the top for an extra flavor boost. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps everything moist and helps the cheese melt beautifully during baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Taco lasagna at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes with the foil on. Carefully remove the foil, then bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Let your lasagna rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing, so the layers set up and cutting is a breeze.

How to Serve Taco lasagna

Garnishes

Extra garnishes take Taco lasagna from weeknight comfort food to dinner party centerpiece. Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and even a few extra diced tomatoes or olives on top bring color, crunch, and a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the rich, cheesy layers. A squeeze of fresh lime is also irresistible for those who love a citrusy twist.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal on its own, but a few simple sides really round out the table. Consider serving your Taco lasagna with Mexican rice, a crisp green salad tossed in lime vinaigrette, or some crunchy tortilla chips and guacamole. Roasted corn or sautéed bell peppers work great too when you want a little extra color and nutrition.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd or want to make Taco lasagna really pop, try serving it in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Slice into squares and arrange on a platter with vibrant piles of toppings for a self-serve taco bar vibe. Or layer in small mason jars for a fun picnic-ready spin. However you serve it, this dish always draws smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Taco lasagna cool to room temperature, then cover tightly or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making lunch the next day even tastier.

Freezing

The good news: Taco lasagna is freezer-friendly! Assemble the dish through all the layers, wrap tightly in two layers of foil, and freeze unbaked for up to two months. You can also freeze cooked leftovers, neatly portioned for easy reheating. Just be sure to let everything cool completely before freezing to avoid excess moisture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat refrigerated slices in the oven at 350°F until hot and bubbly—about 20–25 minutes. For frozen lasagna, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too; just cover to keep things moist and heat in short bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make Taco lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day in advance, cover, and keep in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra baking minutes if you’re starting from cold.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You sure can! Ground turkey or chicken will lighten up the recipe, but picks up the taco seasoning flavors beautifully. Make sure to season well, and don’t skip the simmer so it stays juicy.

What if I don’t like refried beans?

No problem! Swap in whole black beans or even cooked lentils for a different texture, or just double up on the salsa layer if you want a completely bean-free version.

Is Taco lasagna spicy?

This dish is family-friendly and mild as written, but the beauty is you can adjust for spice levels. Try a hot salsa, add canned green chiles, or sprinkle on some crushed red pepper if your crowd likes a little more heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free lasagna noodles (and double-check your taco seasoning is gluten-free), and follow the rest of the recipe as written. It turns out just as delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to shake up your dinner routine and treat everyone to something special, give Taco lasagna a try. The unexpected combination of flavors and textures is sure to win over even picky eaters, and the leftovers are just as craveable. Grab your ingredients, have some fun with the toppings, and let Taco lasagna become your new family favorite!

Print