Mexican Lasagna with Noodles
User Reviews
4.7
Mexican Lasagna with Noodles
Description
This Mexican Lasagna begins by boiling lasagna noodles until softened but slightly firm to finish cooking during baking. Ground lean beef is browned and combined with refried beans, chopped green chiles, taco seasoning, and a portion of salsa, creating a flavorful, hearty filling.
In a greased baking dish, layers of noodles, beef mixture, and cheddar cheese are repeated, with salsa blended with water poured on top before covering with foil and baking. The slow heat allows flavors to meld and noodles to fully cook, while cheese melts and binds the layers.
Once baked, the casserole is garnished with black olives, green onions, and diced tomatoes, adding color and fresh contrast to the rich layers. This dish serves well as a main course for gatherings or family meals.
Leftovers store in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days. Variations include adding corn, bell peppers, or beans for different textures and flavors. Adjust taco seasoning as needed or substitute with homemade blends.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces lasagna noodles uncooked
- 2 pounds ground beef lean
- 16 ounces refried beans (1 can)
- 4 ounces green chiles 1 small can, chopped
- 1 envelope taco seasoning 1 ounce
- 24 ounces mild salsa (divided - ⅔ cup goes in with the meat)
- 4 cups cheddar cheese (divided) or colby jack cheese
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2-2 cups sour cream
Toppings:
- 1 can black olives drained (2-1/4 ounces, sliced, ripe
- 3 green onions chopped
- 1 medium tomato diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºFahrenheit. Spray a 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.
- Heat a pan of water to boiling and add the lasagna noodles. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the noodles are softened, but still al dente. They will continue to cook in the casserole. 12 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles
- In a large skillet, cook beef over medium high heat until no longer pink. Drain off any fat. Stir in beans, chilies, taco seasoning and ⅔ cup of the salsa. 2 pounds lean ground beef, 16 ounces refried beans, 4 ounces chopped green chiles, 1 envelope taco seasoning, 24 ounces mild salsa
- Cover the bottom of the greased baking dish with a layer of lasagna noodles. Cover with ⅓ of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with 1 cup of cheese. Repeat layers twice (noodles, meat, cheese, noodles, meat, cheese). 4 cups cheddar cheese
- Combine the remaining salsa and water. Pour over the top of the casserole. 1 cup water
- Cover with foil and bake 1 hour or until heated through and the noodles are cooked.
- Top with sour cream and remaining 1 cup of cheese. Bake, uncovered, for 5-10 additional minutes or until the cheese is melted. Top with olives, onions, tomatoes if desired. 1 1/2-2 cups sour cream, 1 can sliced ripe black olives, 3 green onions, 1 medium diced tomato
- Garnish with cilantro if desired. Let stand 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving for clean slices.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Calories are estimated based on 15 servings; actual values may vary with ingredients.
- The recipe is flavorful enough without added salt or pepper due to canned ingredients, but adjust seasoning to taste.
- Optional additions include corn kernels, diced red bell pepper, or pinto beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Monterey Jack cheese can be used as an alternative to cheddar for a mild, creamy taste.
- If no taco seasoning is available, substitute with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 2 minced garlic cloves or use homemade taco seasoning.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 15Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 472 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 472kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 26g | 9% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 92mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 804mg | 34% |
| Potassium | 438mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 814IU | 16% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 316mg | 32% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.