Cheesy Taco Lasagna Layers (Print Version)
Layered tortillas with beef, beans, and cheddar cheese baked for a comforting Tex Mex-inspired dinner.
# What You'll Need:
→ Tortillas
01 -
8 soft flour tortillas, taco size
→ Meat and Beans
02 -
1 pound 80% lean ground beef
03 -
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
04 -
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
→ Vegetables
05 -
1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
06 -
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
07 -
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
08 -
1 can (10 ounces) Mexican-style diced tomatoes, no salt added (optional)
→ Seasonings
09 -
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
10 -
120 milliliters water (1/2 cup)
→ Cheese
11 -
3 cups grated cheddar cheese
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up until no pink remains. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic if using, and sauté until vegetables soften.
02 -
Sprinkle taco seasoning over the beef mixture, add water, and stir well. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to blend flavors. Stir in diced tomatoes and black beans if using, and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes until thickened but moist.
03 -
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
04 -
Place 2 tortillas flat in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread half of the refried beans evenly over the tortillas, then layer half of the beef mixture on top. Sprinkle with one-third of the grated cheddar cheese.
05 -
Add 2 more tortillas, followed by the remaining beans and beef mixture. Top with another one-third of the cheese. Cover with the last 2 tortillas and scatter the remaining cheese evenly on top.
06 -
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to melt evenly.
07 -
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is golden and slightly crisp around the edges.
08 -
Let the layered dish rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with toppings such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, avocado, and salsa as desired.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For easier spreading, warm refried beans prior to layering. Resting before serving prevents the layers from falling apart.
02 -
To make gluten-free, substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas.