When it comes to comfort food that brings people together, Taco Lasagna is a standout. This dish combines the layered goodness of traditional lasagna with the bold, zesty flavors of tacos, creating a culinary masterpiece that’s both hearty and satisfying. The fusion of these two beloved dishes offers a unique twist that’s sure to please a crowd, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.
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.
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