Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely diced
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
Meat and Sauces
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning
Lasagna Layers
- 12 corn tortillas
- 1 (15.25-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Prep the oven and vegetables: Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the avocado oil. Add the diced bell pepper, jalapeño, and onion, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the ground beef: Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the other side and cook, crumbling with a potato masher, for 7-8 minutes until no longer pink.
- Add tomatoes and seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and taco seasoning. Stir to combine well, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the baking dish: Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Begin assembling the lasagna by spreading one-third of the meat mixture evenly on the bottom.
- Layer the tortillas and fillings: Place 6 corn tortillas on top of the meat layer, followed by another one-third of the meat mixture. Evenly distribute half of the corn, half of the black beans, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the mixture. Repeat the layering process with the remaining tortillas, meat, corn, beans, and cheese.
- Bake the lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty Mexican lasagna.
Notes
- For a milder dish, remove the seeds from the jalapeño before dicing.
- Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lower the fat content.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a leaner protein option.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add an extra jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican