Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe: Flavorful and Easy to Make

Name: Delicious Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 10 oz. red enchilada sauce; 24 oz. thick & chunky salsa; 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked; 1 lb. ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 oz. packet taco seasoning; 15 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed; 15 oz. ricotta cheese; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 egg; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

If you're craving a meal that's bursting with bold flavors and layers of cheesy, spicy goodness, you're going to want to dive into this Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe. It's like your favorite taco night and classic lasagna had a delicious, fiery baby that’s perfect for sharing and satisfying big appetites.

A white rectangular dish contains a lasagna with four visible layers: a bottom pasta layer, followed by a thick layer of cooked filling including black beans and a brown sauce, another pasta layer, then more filling, topped with a shiny, melted yellow cheese layer sprinkled with green herbs. A silver spatula lifts one square piece showing the layers clearly, with cheese stretching slightly. The lasagna surface is golden and bubbly, with some browned spots around edges, all set on a white marbled background. 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 Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Delicious Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe. Every time I make it, it brings everyone to the table quick, and there’s just something so comforting about those layers of seasoned beef, tangy salsa, and melty cheese mixing together in one dish. This isn’t your usual lasagna—it has a fun twist that keeps things exciting each bite.

Flavor Explosion: Combining enchilada sauce, salsa, and taco-seasoned beef gives you that perfect spicy and zesty flavor you crave in taco night recipes but served up as lasagna.
Simple Prep: Using uncooked lasagna noodles saves you time while baking, and layering everything means minimal cleanup but maximum taste.
Family Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters usually love, especially when topped with plenty of gooey cheddar cheese.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this a day or two in advance—great for busy weeknights or when you want to plan ahead for guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe uses classic taco ingredients paired with creamy ricotta and melty cheddar, which balance the spice and give you that rich, layered texture you expect in a lasagna. Here’s why these ingredients make a winning combo:

Flat lay of a stack of uncooked wide, flat lasagna noodles arranged neatly, a small mound of fresh ground beef with diced white onion and whole garlic cloves beside it, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick & chunky red salsa next to another small white bowl of red enchilada sauce, a small white bowl holding creamy white ricotta cheese seasoned with dried oregano, one whole brown egg with a clean shell placed nearby, a small handful of shiny black beans spread naturally, and a loose pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, all 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

Red Enchilada Sauce: It’s the base of that spicy, slightly smoky flavor that ties the whole dish together — think of it as your sauce backbone.
Chunky Salsa: Adds freshness and texture. I always opt for thick and chunky salsa for the perfect balance of peppers and tomatoes.
Lasagna Noodles (uncooked): Using uncooked noodles saves prep time, and the steam upon baking cooks them perfectly.
Ground Beef: Classic taco night protein that soaks up seasoning beautifully, making each layer hearty and flavorful.
Diced Onion and Minced Garlic: These aromatics deepen the dish’s savory base, giving it an irresistible warmth.
Taco Seasoning Packet: A quick way to get all those spicy, cumin-y, chili-filled flavors without mixing your own spices.
Black Beans: They add fiber, protein, and a nice soft texture that balances the meat.
Ricotta Cheese: It brings creamy richness and moisture, keeping the layers from drying out.
Dried Oregano: Adds subtle herbal notes that you might not immediately notice but make the flavors more complex.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture so it holds together while baking.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for that melty, tangy finish that elevates this lasagna from just good to amazing.

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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 the best parts about the Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I’ve played around with the spice levels and cheese combinations, and you've got all the freedom to make it your own. Feeling adventurous? Toss in jalapeños or swap ground beef for turkey or even veggies.

Variation: I’ve made this dish vegetarian by simply swapping the beef for sautéed mushrooms and extra beans, and it was just as hearty and satisfying.
Cheese Swap: Sometimes I mix in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a little extra kick and creaminess.
Heat Level: Add a pinch of cayenne or some diced fresh chili peppers if you want that spicy punch dialed up.
Make it Gluten-Free: You can substitute the lasagna noodles with corn tortillas for a gluten-free and equally tasty version.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe

A white plate on a black marbled surface holds a thick slice of lasagna with multiple layers. The lasagna has visible layers of melted golden cheese on top, with bits of green herbs sprinkled over it. Below the cheese, there are layers of pasta sheets with a mix of ground meat, red tomato sauce, and black olives. The layers alternate evenly, showing a rich, moist texture with a vibrant orange-yellow melted cheese layer, red sauce, and chunks of meat and olives peeking through. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown & Season the Beef

I start by browning the ground beef over medium heat. Halfway through, I add diced onions for that lovely sweetness, then toss in minced garlic just in the last minute so it doesn’t burn but still releases its aroma. After draining the grease, I add taco seasoning mixed with some water and let it simmer until thickened. Finally, I stir in the black beans — they mellow the dish and add texture.

Step 2: Sauce & Base Layers

While the beef cools slightly, I combine the red enchilada sauce and thick chunky salsa. This combo creates that perfect blend of spice, tang, and texture. I spoon a layer of this sauce on the bottom of my casserole dish to keep the noodles from sticking and add extra flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, I mix ricotta cheese, dried oregano, and an egg together. The egg helps bind the ricotta so it slices nicely after baking without oozing out. The oregano adds just the right herby note to balance the cheese's creaminess.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Now comes the fun part! I create three layers in this order: first, 4 uncooked noodles, a third of the ricotta mixture, a third of the meat mixture, a third of the sauce, and a cup of shredded cheddar. Then I repeat it once more with the same layering. For the final layer, I place the last 4 noodles on top, then spread the remaining ricotta, beef, and sauce — but no cheese here yet, because it goes on last.

Step 5: Bake & Cheese It Up

Cover the dish tightly with foil — this traps steam and cooks the noodles perfectly without boiling them first. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes. Then, I remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheddar cheese all over the top, and bake for another 15 minutes. That's when the magic happens — the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Step 6: Rest Before Serving

Patience here really pays off. Letting the lasagna rest for 15 minutes is key for the layers to settle and for easier slicing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait—otherwise, it’s a cheesy, saucy mess!

Top Tip

After a few tries, I noticed that sealing the lasagna tightly with foil for the first baking step is essential to cook the noodles through without drying out the dish. Also, be sure to add the top layer of cheese after removing the foil for that perfect melty, golden finish.

Don’t Boil Noodles Ahead: Using uncooked noodles saves time and keeps the dish lighter—but only if you seal the pan well to trap steam.
Drain the Beef Grease: This avoids a watery lasagna and lets your taco seasoning really shine.
Use Thick Salsa: It holds texture better during baking, which means your layers stay nice and defined.
Cool Meat Mixture Slightly: If you add very hot meat right onto the ricotta layer, you risk curdling the egg—cool it a bit first for creamy layers.

How to Serve Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe

The image shows a white square baking dish with a black marbled surface underneath. Inside the dish, there is an even layer of red sauce spread across the bottom. On top of the sauce, four long, flat, yellow lasagna sheets lie side by side, filling the dish evenly from left to right. The edges of the pasta sheets have a slightly ruffled texture, and the sheets have a few darker spots, showing a natural pasta look. The photo looks clear and bright, as if taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this taco lasagna with simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley, dollops of sour cream, and sliced green onions. They add brightness and a cool contrast to all that spicy cheesy goodness. If you like extra heat, some fresh jalapeño slices or a drizzle of hot sauce are fantastic, too.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it fresh and simple. A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely. Corn on the cob, Mexican street corn style, is another favorite. And of course, chips and guacamole are always a win alongside this dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve turned this Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe into individual mini casseroles using smaller baking dishes or even large ramekins. It’s a fun way to serve crowd-pleasing portions and makes leftovers easy to manage, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, making it even better the next day—just reheat in the oven or microwave.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes like a dream. I usually freeze it unbaked in the foil pan, tightly covered. When ready to bake, I thaw it in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours, then add 10 extra minutes to the baking time—perfect for prepping ahead of busy weeks or dinner parties.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven to keep that crispy cheese topping intact. Cover the lasagna loosely with foil and heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then uncover for the last few minutes to refresh the cheese crust.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire lasagna up to two days before baking and keep it refrigerated. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil before baking to ensure the noodles cook perfectly.

What can I use if I don't have ricotta cheese?

You can substitute ricotta with sour cream or cottage cheese in this recipe. Both options keep the creamy texture and bring a slightly different but still delicious flavor profile.

Can I make a vegetarian version of this Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe?

Definitely! Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, extra black beans, or even a mix of zucchini and bell peppers. Season them the same way to keep that taco-inspired flavor.

Do I have to boil the lasagna noodles before baking?

Nope! This recipe is designed for uncooked lasagna noodles. As long as you cover the dish tightly with foil to trap steam while baking, the noodles will cook perfectly in the oven.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Taco Lasagna Recipe quickly became a staple in my meal rotation when I needed something fun, flavorful, and easy to feed a hungry bunch. It brings a little fiesta to the usual dinner table and gets rave reviews every time I make it. Give it a go—you might just find it becoming your new go-to comfort food that’s perfect when you want a little heat and a lot of cheesy love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way