Taco Lasagna Bold Flavors

Featured in: Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This Tex-Mex inspired fusion combines seasoned ground meat, beans, and vegetables layered between tender lasagna noodles, topped with cheddar, mozzarella, and sour cream. Baked to golden perfection, this dish balances bold spices with creamy textures for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Optional garnishes like jalapeños and cilantro add a fresh kick, while gluten-free noodles cater to dietary needs. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners or social gatherings.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:47:00 GMT
A steaming skillet of taco lasagna with melted cheese, ready for the oven. Save
A steaming skillet of taco lasagna with melted cheese, ready for the oven. | toastybloom.com

A fun, budget-friendly fusion dish combining the bold flavors of tacos with the comforting layers of lasagna. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

The first time I made this taco lasagna was for a weekend family dinner during a busy school week. Everyone enjoyed building their slices with different toppings and it was a hit with both adults and kids!

Ingredients

  • Ground beef or ground turkey: 500 g (1 lb), browned
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (400 g/14 oz), drained
  • Black beans: 1 can (400 g/14 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Corn kernels: 1 cup, fresh, frozen, or canned and drained
  • Taco seasoning: 2 tbsp
  • Salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Oven-ready lasagna noodles: 9
  • Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (200 g), shredded
  • Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup (100 g), shredded
  • Sour cream: 1 cup (240 g)
  • Sliced jalapeños: Optional, for garnish
  • Chopped fresh cilantro: Optional, for garnish
  • Sliced green onions: Optional, for garnish

Instructions

Prep Oven and Dish:
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a 22 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) baking dish.
Cook Meat:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add Vegetables:
Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the pan. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Combine Mix:
Stir in diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
Layer First:
Spread a thin layer of meat mixture on bottom of baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, followed by a third of the remaining meat mixture, a third of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and a few dollops of sour cream.
Repeat Layers:
Repeat layers two more times, finishing with cheese on top.
Bake Covered:
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and Garnish:
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with jalapeños, cilantro, and green onions if desired.
This baked taco lasagna is layered with seasoned beef, veggies, and shredded cheese. Save
This baked taco lasagna is layered with seasoned beef, veggies, and shredded cheese. | toastybloom.com

This taco lasagna is always requested at family gatherings. My kids love adding extra cheese and building their own slices with cilantro and jalapeños.

Required Tools

Large skillet, baking dish (22 x 33 cm / 9 x 13 inch), mixing spoon, knife, cutting board, foil

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 480, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 28 g

Notes

Substitute ground chicken, plant-based mince, or lentils for a lighter or vegetarian version. Use gluten-free lasagna noodles as needed. Serve with a side salad or guacamole for a complete meal. For added heat, add chili flakes or extra jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Close-up of a bubbling, cheesy taco lasagna served with fresh cilantro garnish. Save
Close-up of a bubbling, cheesy taco lasagna served with fresh cilantro garnish. | toastybloom.com

Enjoy this taco lasagna as a flavorful twist on classic comfort food. The leftovers taste even better the next day!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with other proteins?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, plant-based mince, or lentils can be used for different dietary preferences.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free oven-ready lasagna noodles to maintain the layered structure without gluten.

What spices give it the Taco flavor?

The dish features classic taco seasoning blended with black pepper and salt for authentic boldness.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the layers and refrigerate before baking. Allow it to come to room temperature before cooking.

What are good garnishes to enhance flavor?

Sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and green onions add brightness and a spicy kick to the final dish.

Taco Lasagna Bold Flavors

A flavorful fusion of taco spices and cheesy layered pasta, perfect for family meals.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time for Cooking
35 minutes
Complete Time
55 minutes
Recipe Creator Grace Miller

Recipe Group Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Tex-Mex Fusion

Servings Made 6 Portion Count

Dietary Notes None specified

What You Need

Meats

01 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 cloves garlic, minced
03 1 bell pepper, diced
04 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
05 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 1 cup corn kernels, fresh, frozen, or canned and drained

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tbsp taco seasoning
02 1/2 tsp salt
03 1/2 tsp black pepper

Pasta

01 9 oven-ready lasagna noodles

Dairy

01 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
02 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 1 cup sour cream

Garnishes (optional)

01 Sliced jalapeños
02 Chopped fresh cilantro
03 Sliced green onions

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

Step 02

Cook ground meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 03

Sauté vegetables: Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.

Step 04

Combine remaining ingredients: Stir in drained diced tomatoes, rinsed black beans, corn kernels, taco seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.

Step 05

Assemble layers: Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles over the meat, then top with one third of the remaining meat mixture, one third of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and several spoonfuls of sour cream.

Step 06

Repeat layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a cheese layer on top.

Step 07

Bake covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Step 08

Bake uncovered: Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 09

Rest and garnish: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and green onions as desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • 9 x 13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing spoon
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy Details

Look over every item for allergens. If unsure, check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains gluten unless gluten-free noodles are used
  • Contains dairy from cheese and sour cream
  • May contain soy depending on taco seasoning and cheese brands
  • Contains cow's milk

Nutrition (per portion)

For guidance only: not a replacement for professional medical counsel.
  • Energy (Calories): 480
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 28 g