Name: Easy Mexican Lasagna 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 (American-style, not cayenne pepper); 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (will not make it spicy); 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; a pinch of cinnamon; 1 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (may substitute black beans); 1 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn (no need to thaw); 1 6 oz. can chopped black olives drained; 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 15 regular lasagna noodles (NOT no boil); 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 so comforting about layers of cheesy, saucy goodness – and that’s exactly what you get with this Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe. It’s a fun twist on traditional lasagna, packed with bold flavors that make every bite deliciously memorable.

A thick square piece of lasagna sits centered on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath. The bottom layer is a deep brown meat sauce mixed with bits of corn, topped by a layer of melted cheese that is light golden-yellow and shiny. On top of the cheese are bright red diced tomatoes and sliced black olives scattered around, with chopped green herbs sprinkled over everything for freshness. The colors show a nice contrast between the rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. 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 Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. It’s hearty, cozy, and layered with just the right blend of spices and creamy textures — perfect any time you want a meal that feels both special and effortless.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoky spices, mild chili, and a hint of cocoa powder creates a delicious enchilada-inspired sauce that’s unique and deeply satisfying.
Simple Prep: No need for complicated sauces or extra steps — the meat filling comes together quickly and so does the creamy layer.
Family Friendly: Despite the bold flavors, it’s not spicy, so even the kids enjoy it. Plus, it’s easy to customize to suit picky eaters or add extra veggies.
Make Ahead Magic: You can prepare it in advance or freeze it, which is a lifesaver for busy weeknights and meal prepping.

A close-up view of a layered lasagna piece being lifted with a spoon, showing at least four visible layers of wavy pasta sheets in between rich brown meat sauce with small bits of corn and melted orange cheese. The top layer is covered with more melted cheese, garnished with chopped red tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green herbs. The lasagna sits inside a white baking dish with some baked sauce marks on the sides, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe are a brilliant mix of familiar pantry staples and flavorful extras that work beautifully together. Each component adds depth, whether it’s the spicy-sweet meat sauce or the creamy, tangy layer that balances it out.

Flat lay of a raw lean ground beef portion shaped naturally, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, a small mound of white flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a neat pile of vibrant red chili powder, small piles of ground cumin and garlic powder each on separate white ceramic dishes, a pinch of finely ground smoked paprika and dried oregano each in tiny white bowls, a tiny heap of cayenne pepper, a thick dollop of bright red tomato paste on a plain white dish, several unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with clear golden chicken broth, a simple white bowl holding chunky fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl with mild chopped green chiles, a white bowl containing rich brown unsweetened cocoa powder, a small portion of fine white sugar, a small pinch of ground cinnamon on a white dish, a pile of rinsed pinto beans on a plain white plate, a small mound of bright yellow frozen sweet corn kernels, a little cluster of sliced black olives on a white dish, and a tiny white bowl holding light amber apple cider vinegar, several smooth uncracked brown eggs, a neat stack of uncooked flat rectangular regular lasagna noodles, two small heaps of freshly grated Monterrey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses on separate white plates, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, a dollop of smooth cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with mild green salsa verde, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally 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

Ground beef: The base protein; lean beef keeps it hearty without being greasy.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce right when the spices get toasted with the beef.
Chili powder & spices: These blend together for authentic Mexican flavor; be sure to use American-style chili powder as others can be too hot.
Tomato paste & fire roasted diced tomatoes: Create a rich tomato base with smoky undertones.
Green chiles: Provide subtle heat and a fresh bite without overpowering.
Cocoa powder & cinnamon: Small additions that truly elevate the sauce, emulating the classic Mexican mole complexity.
Pinto beans, corn & black olives: Add texture, balance, and bursts of flavor — and a nod to traditional southwestern dishes.
Apple cider vinegar: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.
Lasagna noodles: Regular noodles absorb the sauce and hold the layers nicely; soaking them first helps prevent stiffness.
Monterrey Jack & sharp cheddar cheese: The cheesy duo melts beautifully for gooey, flavorful layers.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt & cream cheese: Whisked together with salsa verde, this creamy filling contrasts the zesty meat sauce perfectly.

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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

One of my favorite things about this Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap ingredients or add flair depending on what’s in my fridge or the mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to make it uniquely yours!

Vegetable Boost: I’ve added diced zucchini, bell peppers, and even butternut squash to make it veggie-packed without losing flavor — just reduce some of the meat accordingly.
Protein Swap: Ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here, especially if you want a lighter meal.
Tortilla Twist: If you’re out of lasagna noodles, corn tortillas are a great stand-in — just layer ’em like you would the noodles, and you get a more classic Mexican casserole feel.
Cheese Variations: Pepper jack adds a little kick if you want more heat, or use queso fresco for a milder, authentic touch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Soak Those Noodles Right

Start by placing your lasagna noodles in a long pan and cover them with hot tap water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. This step makes the noodles perfectly tender once baked, without the hassle of boiling.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Spice Mix

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a deep 9x13-inch pan. Meanwhile, whisk together the flour and all the seasonings for the meat filling — this makes seasoning quick and ensures even distribution once in the pan.

Step 3: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef with chopped onions until the meat is mostly cooked but still juicy. Sprinkle your flour and spice mix over, stirring well to toast those spices and absorb flavors for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce

Lower the heat and stir in the tomato paste and minced garlic, cooking for another minute. Add chicken broth, fire roasted tomatoes, green chiles, cocoa powder, sugar, and cinnamon. Let it simmer gently until thick and aromatic, about 10-15 minutes. Then stir in beans, corn, black olives, and a splash of apple cider vinegar before removing from heat.

Step 5: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Combine sour cream or Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, mild salsa verde, and a touch of salt. Whisk until smooth and creamy—this layer balances all the rich flavors perfectly in the final dish.

Step 6: Assemble Your Layers

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of your pan. Place 4 whole noodles (plus a bit of a 5th to cover) on top, then spread ¾ cup of the creamy filling and sprinkle with 1 cup of the grated cheese mix. Repeat this two more times for a total of three layers. Finish by topping with the remaining meat sauce and cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 15 minutes before serving—that step is key for perfect slicing!

Top Tip

After making this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few key tricks to ensure your Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe turns out just right every time. These tips helped me avoid dry layers, clumpy noodles, and overly spicy bites — so you can feel confident in the kitchen!

Pre-soak noodles: Skipping this can cause noodles that are stiff or don’t absorb sauce properly. Soaking ensures tender, flexible layers.
Use American-style chili powder: My first attempt with imported chili powder had my family scrambling for water — this powder is much milder and perfectly balanced.
Don’t skip the cocoa and cinnamon: These little extras bring that authentic enchilada sauce depth and richness that surprises everyone (in a good way!).
Let your lasagna rest: Cutting right out of the oven leads to a messy plate. Fifteen minutes to cool and set makes serving neat slices a breeze.

How to Serve Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my slices with fresh diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, and creamy avocado chunks — they add color, texture, and freshness. A drizzle of sour cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt adds just the right cooling contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro or a few thinly sliced jalapeños can kick things up!

Side Dishes

This dish is quite filling on its own, but I like to serve it with a simple green salad or some steamed broccoli for balance. Mexican street corn or a heap of guacamole and chips also make excellent companions if you want to keep the vibes festive and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, I’ve served this Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe in individual ramekins — perfect for portion control and presentation. Another idea: layer it in clear glass pans so your guests can admire those colorful layers before digging in. And if you want to impress, garnish plates with lime wedges and edible flowers for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftovers with foil and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors intensify overnight, so it’s often even better the next day. Just make sure to cover tightly to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully — perfect for batch cooking. I assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it thoroughly with plastic wrap and foil, and label it. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge for 48 hours before baking.

Reheating

For leftovers, I prefer reheating in the oven covered with foil at 350°F for about 30 minutes until warm and bubbly again. The microwave works fine too for single servings — just heat in 30-second bursts to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and double up on beans and veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use meat substitutes like plant-based crumbles for a similar texture. Adjust seasonings accordingly to keep the balance of flavors.

Is it okay to use no-boil noodles for this lasagna?

This recipe calls for regular lasagna noodles soaked in hot water so they soften perfectly. No-boil noodles might work, but they often absorb too much sauce and become mushy with this recipe’s wet layers. So, I’d stick with soaking traditional noodles for the best texture.

How spicy is this dish really?

Despite including chili powder and a hint of cayenne, this Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe is mild and friendly to all palates, including kids. The cayenne is used in a very small amount to build flavor rather than heat. Just be sure to use the right type of chili powder to avoid unintended spiciness.

Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the whole dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. This actually helps the flavors marry beautifully. You can also make the meat sauce and creamy filling separately a few days ahead to save time on the day you bake.

Final Thoughts

What really wins me over with this Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe is how it blends comfort food vibes with exciting southwestern flavors — and it’s surprisingly simple to put together. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner or a make-ahead meal to impress guests, this dish won’t let you down. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own!