This recipe was inspired by my love for both Italian and Mexican cuisines. Growing up, my family had a weekly tradition of taco night and lasagna night. One evening, while brainstorming ways to combine these two favorites, I decided to create Taco Lasagna. The result was a hit, and it quickly became a go-to recipe in our household. Each bite of this dish is a delightful blend of seasoned ground beef, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy cheese sauce, all nestled between layers of soft tortillas.
Ingredients
10-12 6-inch soft tortillas: Flour tortillas are ideal for their flexibility and flavor.
Beef Taco Mixture:
1 ½ pounds ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
Pico de Gallo Layer:
1 ripe tomato, diced
½ red onion, diced
1 green pepper or jalapeno, finely chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Cheese Sauce:
1 pint heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheese (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or Mexican blend)
4 tablespoons butter
Cajun seasoning (optional, for a hint of spice)
Garnish:
Chopped scallions
Sour cream
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Taco Mixture
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess grease. Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the meat and mix until well combined. This seasoned beef will be the savory base of your Taco Lasagna.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Gradually add the shredded cheese, a little at a time, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If desired, add a pinch of Cajun seasoning to give the sauce a bit of a kick. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly so it can thicken.
3. Prepare the Pico de Gallo
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomato, red onion, chopped green pepper or jalapeno, and finely chopped cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This fresh and zesty pico de gallo will add a burst of flavor and texture to your lasagna.
4. Assemble the Taco Lasagna
Layer the Tortillas: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish or aluminum pan to prevent sticking. Arrange a layer of soft tortillas in the bottom of the dish, trimming or cutting them as needed to fit properly. This forms the base of your lasagna.
Add the Beef Mixture: Spread a layer of the seasoned ground beef mixture over the tortillas. Ensure the beef is evenly distributed to cover the entire layer of tortillas.
Layer the Pico de Gallo: Spoon a layer of the prepared pico de gallo over the beef mixture. This will infuse each layer with fresh, tangy flavors.
Top with Cheese Sauce: Drizzle or spoon the cheese sauce over the pico de gallo, spreading it evenly.
Repeat Layers: Continue layering with tortillas, beef mixture, pico de gallo, and cheese sauce until you’ve used up all the ingredients. For the final layer, top with the remaining tortillas, beef mixture, pico de gallo, and cheese sauce.
5. Bake
Place the assembled Taco Lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The layers should meld together, creating a deliciously cohesive dish. Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving.
6. Garnish and Serve
Once cooled slightly, garnish the Taco Lasagna with chopped scallions and a dollop of sour cream. These fresh toppings add a burst of flavor and make the dish even more enjoyable.
Variations and Substitutions
Tortillas: While flour tortillas are preferred for their softness and flavor, you can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a more traditional taste. Large flour tortillas can be used as well; simply cut them to fit the baking dish.
Ground Meat: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatless option like lentils or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend. Colby Jack and Monterey Jack are great for their melting qualities, but cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend will work well too.
Pico de Gallo: For a different twist, you can use store-bought salsa or add additional ingredients like avocado or corn to the pico de gallo. Adjust the spiciness by using more or fewer jalapenos according to your taste.
Spice It Up: If you like your food extra spicy, add more Cajun seasoning or even some chopped hot peppers to the beef mixture or cheese sauce.
Dairy-Free: To make this dish dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese alternatives and substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk.
Summary
Taco Lasagna is a delectable and innovative dish that combines the rich, comforting layers of traditional lasagna with the vibrant and bold flavors of tacos. The result is a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Its versatility allows for numerous variations and substitutions, making it adaptable to various dietary preferences and tastes.
This recipe is particularly appealing because it offers a unique twist on two classic favorites, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual get-together, Taco Lasagna is sure to be a hit. The combination of seasoned beef, fresh pico de gallo, creamy cheese sauce, and soft tortillas creates a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Enjoy the delicious fusion of flavors and the satisfaction of a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
