Ah, tacos. The ultimate pick-me-up on a dreary Tuesday—or honestly any day ending in ‘y’. But wait, what if you could layer that taco goodness into a lasagna?
Yes, a taco lasagna! It’s like a fiesta in a baking dish. You get the cheesy, saucy allure of lasagna mingling with the bold, zesty flavors of tacos.
And trust me, one bite of this delightful hybrid will have you questioning why this wasn’t a staple in your kitchen sooner.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, cook the ground meat of your choice—beef, chicken, or turkey—in a skillet over medium heat until browned.
- Add onions, green peppers, fresh jalapeño, and Ro-tel to the skillet. Stir in spices or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for added heat, if desired.
- In a baking dish, layer crunchy taco shells or tortillas, followed by a layer of the meat mixture.
- Sprinkle grated cheese over the meat layer. Repeat the layering process until the dish is filled.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sliced black olives, avocado, sour cream, and salsa as desired.
Ingredients
- Ground beef or substitute with ground chicken or turkey
- Onion, chopped
- Green bell pepper, chopped
- Fresh jalapeno, chopped
- Ro-tel (diced tomatoes and green chilies)
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Salsa (mild/medium chunky)
- Crunchy taco shells, broken in half
- Green chilies
- Sliced black olives
- Avocado, sliced
- Sour cream
- Additional sour cream for serving
- Additional salsa for serving
FAQ
- Can I substitute the meat in the Taco Lasagna recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute the beef with ground chicken or turkey, which are both excellent alternatives and still result in a tasty dish.
- What can I add to increase the spiciness of the Taco Lasagna?
- You can enhance the spice level by adding ingredients such as chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh jalapenos, or using a spicier salsa.
- Are there any suggestions for additional toppings or sides?
- Consider adding sliced black olives, avocado, or extra sour cream as toppings. Serving with a side of salsa can also complement the dish well.
- How can I adjust the recipe for a smaller serving size?
- You can halve the recipe and use an 8×8 baking dish to make a smaller portion that still retains the delicious flavor.
- Does the Taco Lasagna reheat well for leftovers?
- Yes, this dish heats up perfectly as leftovers, making it convenient for meal prep or enjoying over multiple days.
Tips
- For those who prefer a spicy kick, consider adding onions, green peppers, fresh jalapenos, and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the meat mixture for enhanced flavor.
- If you’re looking for a healthier or alternative option, substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey; it still delivers a delicious result.
- Incorporate crunchy taco shells by breaking them in half for added texture, and replace green onions with green chilies for a flavorful twist.
- When serving, offer additional sides like sliced black olives, avocado, sour cream, and salsa to enhance the dish and cater to different taste preferences.
Equipment
- Lasagna Pan/Baking Dish – A high-quality baking dish, possibly a 9×13 inch size, which is typically used for lasagna.
- Mandoline Slicer – If you’re slicing ingredients like jalapenos or onions finely, a mandoline might be useful.
- Food Processor – Useful for quickly chopping or pureeing ingredients like chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
- Spice Grinder – If the recipe calls for freshly ground spices.
- Cast Iron Skillet – For browning meat or cooking vegetables, a cast iron skillet can be a great tool.
