Fiesta Lasagna: Mexican Lasagna with Noodles

Fiesta Lasagna: Easy Mexican Lasagna Recipe!

By Rafael CruzMay 24, 2025

Table of Contents

Right then, let's talk mexican lasagna ! ever get bored of the same old italian version? honestly, me too. that's why i messed about in the kitchen and came up with this fiesta lasagna .

It's proper banging, if i do say so myself!

Say Hola to Mexican Lasagna!

Fancy a trip south of the border, without actually leaving your kitchen? this mexican lasagna , or as i like to call it, the enchilada lasagna , is your ticket.

It's like a taco lasagna , but even easier. think comfort food with a kick.

This isn't your nonna's lasagna, alright? we're ditching the ricotta and going full-on fiesta! this southwest lasagna has a hearty ground beef base, mixed with black bean lasagna and refried bean lasagna .

It’s layered with cheddar cheese lasagna and monterey jack lasagna , all nestled between no-boil lasagna noodles.

Why This Mexican Lasagna Rocks

This recipe is dead easy, trust me. takes about 25 minutes to prep and 55 minutes to cook. that's it! it feeds a crowd.

Perfect for a family dinner or when the mates come round.

And it's not just about taste, it's got some goodness in it too. the beans give you a protein boost, and the spicy lasagna recipe can actually help clear your sinuses.

Plus, it's great for a casual get-together imagine serving this with a modelo beer or corona beer ! it's a proper crowd pleaser.

It is a family friendly recipe , in fact! this is my best mexican lasagna , ever! this baked mexican casserole recipe will save your life

Getting Your Bits and Bobs Ready

Right, time to gather your bits and bobs. you'll need some mince about 2 pounds. then we need some flavour bombs! i always grab a jar of la costeña chipotle peppers .

A tablespoon of cumin, 2 teaspoons of oregano and chili powder, and the usual garlic powder and salt. a can each of black beans and refried beans , plus a can of diced tomatoes will be needed.

Right, let’s chat about what you’ll need to whip up this cracking mexican lasagna . honestly, it's easier than you think! and who doesn't love a good fiesta lasagna ? forget slaving over a hot stove.

This is proper mexican comfort food , ready in under an hour and a half.

Ingredients & Equipment to nail this Enchilada Lasagna

Fiesta Lasagna: Mexican Lasagna with Noodles presentation

Okay, let's break it down into what you need, measurements and all. This easy Mexican lasagna is about to become your new weeknight staple.

Main Ingredients

Ground Beef: You'll want 2 pounds (900g) of ground beef. Look for beef that’s nice and red, not too grey. A little fat is good for flavour, but not too much, mind.
Chipotle peppers: grab 2 tablespoons (30ml) of jarred diced chipotle peppers . i always use la costeña , they're my go to brand, but honestly, any will do.
If you can't find those, a bit of hot salsa will do the trick!
Spices: 1 tablespoon (15ml) of ground cumin , 2 teaspoons (10ml) each of ground oregano , garlic powder, and chili powder, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) of salt.
Beans: One (15 ounce/425g) can of low-sodium black beans , rinsed and drained. And one (16 ounce/450g) can of refried beans .
Tomatoes: One (14.5 ounce/411g) can of petite diced tomatoes (undrained).
Enchilada sauce & noodles: you'll need one (10 ounce/283g) can of mild red enchilada sauce , 1 cup (240ml) of water, and 12 no-boil lasagna noodles.
These no boil lasagna recipe saves so much time, honestly.
Cheese, Glorious Cheese!: 4 cups (450g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese and 2 cups (225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese .
Spring for the good stuff; it makes a difference.
Optional Toppings: Sour cream, diced green onions, sliced black olives, and maybe some diced fresh tomato.

Seasoning Notes

The combo of cumin, oregano, and chili powder is what gives this southwest lasagna its signature flavour. don't skimp! for a bit more punch, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

No oregano? marjoram works in a pinch. i find that this is the best mexican lasagna .

Equipment Needed

You only need a few bits and bobs for this Taco Lasagna , so it is quick!

A large skillet and large bowl.
A 9x13 inch baking pan - this is super important for layering everything up.
A small bowl to mix the sauce.
Aluminum foil
A cookie sheet, just in case there are spills (optional).

That’s all there is to it. Gather your bits, and let’s get this show on the road! Ready to transform these ingredients into a culinary masterpiece? Next up, the fun bit: the actual making!

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're ditching the traditional and diving headfirst into a fiesta lasagna . forget everything you think you know about lasagna, because this mexican lasagna is about to blow your mind.

Think enchiladas met lasagna and had a ridiculously delicious baby. honestly, who needs béchamel when you've got enchilada sauce?

Mexican Lasagna: Ditch the Ricotta, Embrace the Fiesta!

This ain't your nonna's lasagna, that's for sure. this enchilada lasagna , sometimes called a southwest lasagna , is layers of flavour that'll have everyone screaming "ole!" it's perfect for a casual get-together, a potluck, or just a tuesday night when you need some serious comfort food.

Plus, it is also a family friendly recipe that even your pickiest eaters will love. it's a 9x13 lasagna of pure joy.

It is also a great weeknight dinner recipe .

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Amigos!

Okay, first things first: get your stuff together. essential mise en place is key. brown your ground beef. dice your chipotle peppers.

Shred your monterey jack cheese and cheddar cheese . open those cans of black beans and refried beans . and most importantly, crack open a cold modelo or corona for yourself! safety first though, don't forget to keep a fire extinguisher nearby just in case you get too excited.

Time saving tip: Buy pre-shredded cheese. Seriously, your wrists will thank you. Another great choice is to get La Costeña chipotle peppers!

step-by-step to Mexican Lasagna Perfection

Preheat that oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Seriously, do it now.
Brown 2 pounds (900g) of ground beef . Drain that grease. Nobody wants a greasy lasagna.
Stir in 2 tablespoons (30ml) of diced chipotle peppers , 1 tablespoon (15ml) of cumin, 2 teaspoons (10ml) of oregano, 2 teaspoons (10ml) garlic powder, 2 teaspoons (10ml) chili powder, and 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt.
Mix in 1 (15 ounce/425g) can of black beans, 1 (16 ounce/450g) can of refried beans, and 1 (14.5 ounce/411g) can of petite diced tomatoes.
In a bowl, whisk together 1 (10 ounce/283g) can of mild red enchilada sauce and 1 cup (240ml) of water.
Layer in your 9x13 lasagna dish. Noodles, then meat, then cheese (Monterey Jack first!), then sauce. Repeat 3 times.
Bake covered for 40 minutes , then uncovered for 10- 15 minutes . Look for bubbly cheese that's lightly browned.

Pro Tips: Fiesta Fails Avoided

Don't overcook it! Bubbly is good, burnt is bad.
Spice it up with more chipotle peppers if you are feeling brave. This is a Spicy lasagna recipe if you make it right.
Let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. I know, it's torture, but trust me on this.
Serve with sour cream topping , green onion topping , and black olive topping for the ultimate Mexican comfort food experience.

So there you have it, my friend. ditch the boring and embrace the fiesta. this mexican lasagna is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.

Now go forth and conquer that kitchen! and maybe pour another corona beer while you are at it.

Right then, let's chat about this amazing mexican lasagna , shall we? you’ve whipped up this beautiful fiesta lasagna, and now what? honestly, the fun's just beginning.

This southwest lasagna is so easy, and it can be a real crowd pleaser!

Recipe Notes: Your Mexican Noodle Casserole Guide

Serving Suggestions: Plating that Pop!

So, you’ve got this gorgeous enchilada lasagna fresh out of the oven, right? presentation is key, love! a dollop of sour cream always looks fab.

Sprinkle some diced green onions and black olives on top for that extra bit of sparkle. a few fresh tomato dices never hurt either! serve with a vibrant lime vinaigrette salad for a zesty contrast.

Oh, and a generous helping of guacamole is never a bad shout either. you could even try a drizzle of mexican crema.

Fancy, eh?

For the full fiesta experience, think about pairing this Taco Lasagna with a chilled Modelo or Corona. Trust me, it works!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Party Going

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Ground Beef Lasagna (or black bean lasagna if you went veggie) is fantastic the next day.

Refrigeration: Just pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for 3-4 days. Easy peasy.
Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Wrap individual slices tightly in cling film, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave it for a quick lunch. Oven is best, though. Cover with foil and bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through about 20- 25 minutes.

Variations: Making it Your Easy Mexican Lasagna

This is where you get to be creative! I always say, adapt the recipe to whatever you have in the fridge, or whatever you are craving at the moment.

Dietary Adaptations: For a Vegetarian Lasagna , swap the ground beef for lentils or another tin of black beans! You could also experiment using ground turkey lasagna, or adding some cottage cheese. For a totally gluten-free Lasagna , use GF noodles. Simple as that.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: This dish is great year round, but why not get seasonal? In summer, add some grilled corn kernels to the filling for extra sweetness. In winter, try using butternut squash puree for a richer flavour.

Nutrition Basics: Fueling the Fun

Okay, let's be real. this mexican comfort food isn't exactly a health food. but it is packed with protein (thanks to the ground beef ) and fibre (from those black beans).

This easy mexican lasagna also provides calcium, if you go big on the cheddar cheese and monterey jack cheese . remember, it's all about balance, right? and a balanced diet should always contain one helping of fiesta lasagna!

Each serving should have around 450-500 calories.

So there you have it! everything you need to make this best mexican lasagna your own. now get in that kitchen and start cooking! and don’t be afraid to experiment.

You never know, you might just stumble upon your next signature dish. happy cooking, babes!

Best Mexican Lasagna: A Fiesta in a Pan!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Mexican Lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Fiesta Lasagna is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the lasagna according to the instructions, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring it's heated through. Just like a good cuppa, a little extra time makes all the difference!

What's the best way to store leftovers of this [https://www.shesnotcookin.com/mexican lasagna-with noodles/]?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the lasagna is completely cooled before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

It's almost as good as the first time - bonus points if you add a cheeky dollop of sour cream!

Can I freeze this Mexican Lasagna?

You bet! Freezing is a great option for longer storage. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer safe dish, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

It's a proper make-ahead winner!

I'm not a fan of ground beef. What other proteins can I use in this [https://www.shesnotcookin.com/mexican lasagna-with noodles/]?

No worries, there are plenty of options! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative to ground beef. You could also use shredded chicken or even black beans and corn for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to get that proper Mexican flavour.

Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of no-boil noodles?

Technically, yes, but it will require an extra step. You'll need to cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions before assembling the lasagna. Be careful not to overcook them, as they'll continue to cook in the oven. Using no-boil noodles just makes life easier less fuss, more flavour, innit?

My lasagna is getting too brown on top while baking, what should I do?

If the top is browning too quickly, simply tent a piece of aluminum foil over the lasagna to shield it from the direct heat. This will prevent the cheese from burning while allowing the inside to continue cooking. Think of it as a little sunshade for your cheesy masterpiece!

And remember, ovens can be a bit temperamental, so keep an eye on it!