Name: Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion chopped; 1/4 cup flour; 3 tablespoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/3 cup tomato paste; 4-6 garlic cloves minced; 3 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 1 (14.5 oz) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 (4 oz) can mild chopped green chiles; 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; Pinch of cinnamon; 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained; 1 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn; 1 (6 oz) can chopped black olives drained; 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 15 regular lasagna noodles; 2 cups freshly grated Monterrey Jack cheese; 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 8 oz cream cheese softened; 1/2 cup mild salsa verde; 1/4 teaspoon salt

There’s something irresistibly comforting about layers of melted cheese, hearty beef, and bold spices all baked together. This Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe brings that cozy feeling with a zesty twist you’ll want to make again and again.

A square piece of layered dish sits on a white plate with small brown speckles, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thick mix of ground meat, corn, and tomato sauce in a rich reddish-brown color. Above that is a melted golden-yellow cheese layer that looks creamy and soft. On top of the cheese, there are small bright red diced tomato pieces and black sliced olives, scattered evenly. Fresh green herbs are sprinkled on the dish and around the plate, adding a fresh touch of color. The layers are thick and clearly visible, making the dish look hearty and delicious. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t get enough of how this Mexican Lasagna blends classic Italian comfort with vibrant Mexican flavors. It’s a fun dinner that feels special yet is simple enough for weeknight cooking.

Flavor-packed layers: The combination of smoky spices, tomato paste, and a touch of cocoa creates a rich sauce that elevates every bite.
Easy prep tricks: Soaking noodles instead of boiling saves time and keeps them perfectly tender without fuss.
Customizable ingredients: You can easily swap vegetables, proteins, or cheeses to suit your family’s preferences.
Perfect for leftovers: This Mexican Lasagna reheats beautifully, making for great lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

A large square piece of lasagna is lifted by a spoon above a white baking dish with visible sauce stains. The lasagna has multiple layers including a bottom layer of light-colored wavy pasta sheets, several layers of brown meat sauce mixed with creamy white cheese, and melted orange cheese on top. The top layer is decorated with black olive slices, small red diced tomatoes, and green chopped herbs, creating a colorful and textured surface. The background shows the rest of the lasagna in the baking dish, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every component in this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe plays a delicious role: the spices build warmth and depth, the beans and corn add texture, and the creamy filling brings balance. I recommend gathering fresh, quality ingredients for the best results.

Flat lay of a mound of lean ground beef, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, a small white ceramic bowl with white all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with bright red chili powder, small white bowls each containing ground cumin, garlic powder, ground coriander, salt, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper, a small white bowl with deep red tomato paste, several whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl of rich golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl of chopped mild green chiles, a small white bowl with fine unsweetened cocoa powder, a small white bowl with granulated white sugar, a pinch of ground cinnamon on white ceramic plate, a small pile of rinsed and drained light brown pinto beans, a small white bowl with bright yellow frozen sweet corn kernels, a small white bowl of glossy black sliced olives, a small white bowl with translucent pale apple cider vinegar, a stack of uncooked regular large rectangular lasagna noodles with pale yellow color, shredded Monterey Jack cheese in soft white curls on a white plate, shredded sharp cheddar cheese with vibrant orange color on a white plate, a small white bowl with smooth sour cream, a small white bowl with softened cream cheese whipped smooth, a small white bowl of mild green salsa verde, a small white bowl with fine salt crystals — all ingredients perfectly arranged in symmetrical balance in a professional flat lay, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and soaks up all the bold flavors from the spices and tomato base.
Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and help the spices stick to the meat.
Chili Powder (not cayenne): The key spice blend that builds warm, smoky heat without overpowering the dish.
Tomato Paste & Fire Roasted Tomatoes: These create a rich, tangy sauce base that feels familiar but with a kick.
Green Chiles: Bring a subtle heat and authentic Mexican flavor note.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder & Cinnamon: These surprising additions deepen the sauce and mimic traditional Mexican chocolate flavors.
Pinto Beans & Corn: Soft beans add creaminess while corn bursts with sweetness.
Black Olives: Provide briny balance and a nice contrast to the rich meat sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the whole filling with a touch of tang.
Lasagna Noodles (regular, not no-boil): I love soaking these instead of boiling; it keeps them flexible and less likely to become mushy.
Monterrey Jack & Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Both melt beautifully and layering these cheeses gives melty cheesy goodness in every bite.
Sour Cream, Cream Cheese, Salsa Verde: For the creamy filling that cuts through the spice with a luscious, tangy smoothness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe is—once you have the base down, you can really make it fit your taste buds. Personally, I sneak in extra veggies whenever I can and sometimes swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.

Vegetable Boost: I sometimes add diced zucchini or bell peppers with the onions for extra color and nutrients. It helps stretch the filling and keeps things fresh.
Protein Swap: Using ground turkey works wonderfully if you want it a bit leaner—just add a little extra seasoning to keep the flavor punch.
Tortilla Twist: I’ve tried using corn tortillas instead of noodles, and it’s a fun twist—but make sure you layer them carefully to avoid sogginess.
Cheese Variations: Pepper Jack cheese adds a nice hint of spice if you want a bit more heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Noodles for Perfect Tenderness

Instead of boiling, I place my lasagna noodles in a long pan and pour hot tap water over them until submerged. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. This method keeps noodles soft without overcooking or turning mushy—a game changer in layered dishes like this.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Build Flavor

Start by browning the ground beef with chopped onions in a large skillet or Dutch oven until nearly cooked through. Then sprinkle your flour and spice mixture all at once—this step helps the meat absorb the bold seasoning and slightly thickens the sauce once you add the liquids. Stir it well and let it cook for about two minutes.

Step 3: Develop the Rich, Layered Sauce

Add tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for another minute to concentrate flavors. Then pour in the chicken broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes, green chiles, cocoa powder, sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon. Bring this to a simmer and let it thicken, stirring frequently. After about 10-15 minutes, stir in the rinsed beans, frozen corn, olives, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness. Remove from heat once everything is melded.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Creamy Filling

While your sauce simmers, carefully mix sour cream, softened cream cheese, salsa verde, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This mixture adds a creamy tang that perfectly balances the spiced meat sauce layers.

Step 5: Layer It Up and Bake

I like to start by spreading a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of my greased pan, then layering in four to five noodles lengthwise. Spread the creamy filling evenly on top, sprinkle 1 cup of cheese, and repeat two more times for three layers in total. Finish with the remaining meat sauce and cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover for another 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 15 minutes before serving—it really helps the layers settle.

Top Tip

I’ve tested this recipe multiple times and learned a few tricks that make all the difference between good and great Mexican Lasagna.

Measure Spices First: Since there are many spices, I find it easier to mix them ahead with the flour so I can sprinkle it all in one go without rushing.
Don’t Skip the Cocoa Powder: It might sound odd, but that teaspoon of cocoa and pinch of cinnamon are magic for building an authentic enchilada-like flavor. It adds richness without sweetness.
Soak, Don’t Boil Noodles: This saves time and ensures noodles don’t get soggy or tear when layering. Just be sure to agitate occasionally while soaking.
Rest Before Serving: Letting the lasagna sit 15 minutes after baking helps the layers set and makes it easier to cut beautiful slices.

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my Mexican Lasagna with dollops of sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro leaves, sliced avocado, and a few diced tomatoes for color and brightness. If you like a bit of heat, jalapeño slices are fantastic too!

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple Mexican rice or a light green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette. For crunch, my favorite is a side of crunchy tortilla chips or a fresh jicama slaw.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings or parties, I like to bake the lasagna in smaller individual ramekins—it makes serving effortless and looks super festive when garnished with avocado slices and colorful salsa on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually slice into portions before storing, making it easy to grab for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

I often assemble the lasagna a day ahead, cover it tightly, and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw it in the fridge for 48 hours before baking. You can also freeze cooked leftovers wrapped well and simply reheat them later—both methods keep the flavors fresh and vibrant.

Reheating

The oven is my go-to for reheating—it helps melt the cheese back to ooey-gooey perfection. Just cover with foil and heat at 350°F for about 30 minutes. For quick meals, the microwave works great too; I usually reheat in short bursts to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe spicy?

This recipe is flavorful but not spicy-hot. The tiny amount of cayenne pepper is just for depth, not heat—making it kid-friendly and enjoyable for all palates.

Can I make this Mexican Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! It’s perfect for making a day in advance or freezing before baking. The flavors actually deepen when the lasagna rests and the layers meld together.

Can I substitute the noodles with tortillas?

Yes, corn tortillas can be used instead of noodles for a slightly different texture and flavor. Just layer carefully to avoid sogginess and use regular grocery store tortillas, as authentic thick tortillas might not work as well.

What’s the purpose of the cocoa powder and cinnamon?

These ingredients add richness and a subtle complexity to the sauce, mimicking Mexican chocolate flavors often found in traditional enchilada sauces. Don’t skip them—they quietly elevate the entire dish.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Ground Beef Recipe has become my go-to for a comforting meal that feels a little festive without fuss. It’s fun to make, so satisfying to eat, and shares beautifully with family or friends. I can’t recommend it enough if you want to mix things up with familiar ingredients twisted just right—give it a try and let me know how you like to make it your own!