Introduction: How to Make a Mexican Lasagna

Many years ago when I was a newlywed. My husband's brother and sister decided to have a contest to see who could make the best lasagna. My brother-in-law was making a 5 cheese lasagna that he was sure would win, but my sister-in-law had lived in Italy for over a year and had learned how to make authentic Italian lasagna. My husband couldn't resist the temptation to make his own version of lasagna to take to the competition. He and I created this recipe for a Mexican Lasagna and it has been a family favorite ever since.

Now that I think of it, I don't think there was a winner - just three yummy lasagnas.

Step 1: Ingredients and Supplies

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of turkey-burger
  • 1 packet of taco seasoning
  • 1 - 16 ounce can of re-fried beans
  • 4 cups of shredded cheese (we prefer colby-jack)
  • 1 pound of sour cream
  • 1 - 24 ounce bottle of salsa
  • 1 package of 10 soft taco size tortillas - cut in half
  • 2 pound of ricotta cheese

Supplies:

  • Aluminum Foil
  • 13 x 9 inch casserole dish
  • Large frying pan
  • Rubber spatula
  • 1 cup measuring cup

Step 2: Meat

Over medium-high heat, cook turkey-burger until brown.

Step 3: Taco Seasoning

Mix in taco seasoning and 1/4th cup of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Re-fried Beans

Add re-fried beans. Mix thoroughly and cook for 1 minute.

Step 5: Cheese

Remove from heat and add 2 cups cheese. Stir until cheese is melted.

Step 6: Sour Cream

Stir in sour cream and mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Side Note

You can stop here and use this meat mixture as a super scrumptious bean dip.

Step 8: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350 degrees.

Step 9: Prepare Your Pan

Line your pan with Aluminum foil for easier clean-up.

Step 10: Salsa

Put 1 cup of salsa in the casserole dish and spread it out so it covers the bottom of the pan. Yes, this is a very thin layer of salsa.

Step 11: Tortillas

Cover the bottom of he pan with the tortillas. Try to only overlap your tortillas once. The center piece is a quarter tortilla.

Step 12: Ricotta Cheese (My Secret Ingredient)

Using a rubber spatula, spread half of the ricotta cheese on top of the tortillas.

Step 13: Meat Mixture

Spread half (about 2 cups) of the meat mixture over the ricotta cheese.

Step 14: Salsa

Now we will start repeating ingredients - creating layers like you would find in a traditional lasagna.

    Spread 1 cup of salsa on top of the meat mixture.

    Step 15: Tortillas

    Layer the tortillas on top of the salsa just like you did in step 11.

    Step 16: Ricotta Cheese

    Spread the remaining ricotta cheese on the tortillas like you did in step 12.

    Step 17: Meat Mixture

    Spread the remaining meat mixture on top of the ricotta cheese like you did in step 13.

    Step 18: Salsa

    Spread the remaining salsa on top of the meat mixture the same way you did in step 14.

    Step 19: Tortillas

    Lay the remaining tortillas on top of the salsa like you did in steps 11 and 15.

    Step 20: Cheese

    This is your final layer. Cover your lasagna with the remaining cheese.

    Step 21: Baking

    Cover your Lasagna with Aluminum foil and Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

    Step 22: Eat!

    Enjoy your delicious Mexican Lasagna.