Taco night just got a whole lot more exciting with this tantalizing twist on a classic favorite. Say hello to Taco Lasagna – a delightful fusion of traditional Mexican flavors and comforting layers, perfect for bringing the family together any night of the week. This innovative recipe takes the essence of soft beef tacos and transforms it into a mouthwatering casserole, affectionately dubbed “lasagna” for its layered construction reminiscent of the Italian classic. With each bite, you’ll savor the rich medley of seasoned beef, creamy cheese sauce, zesty salsa, and comforting tortillas, all crowned with your favorite garnishes. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave everyone at the table craving seconds!
Taco Lasagna Recipe:
Ingredients:
- For the Meat Layer:
- 2 pounds of ground beef
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 1 finely diced onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1 ¼ cup of milk
- 5 teaspoons of flour
- 7 ounces of Mexican Cheddar cheese (reserve some for topping)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- For the Lasagna Assembly:
- 12-13 large flour tortillas
- 12 ounces of fresh salsa
- 5 ounces of Mexican cheese blend (for topping)
- 8 ounces of shredded lettuce
- 1 finely diced tomato
- 2 teaspoons of finely chopped cilantro (optional)
- Sour cream (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Meat Layer:
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat and add the taco seasoning, diced onion, and minced garlic.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes to allow the spices to toast and the onion to soften. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, whisk together flour and ¼ cup of milk to create a roux.
- Stir in salt and paprika until a dough-like consistency forms.
- Gradually add the remaining 1 cup of milk, stirring until thickened.
- Add the shredded Mexican cheese and stir until melted. Set aside.
Preheat and Assemble:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, begin assembling the lasagna.
- Lay down a layer of tortillas, tearing them to fit if necessary.
- Spread a portion of the beef and onion mixture over the tortillas, followed by half of the cheese sauce and half a cup of salsa. Top with more tortillas.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of tortillas on top.
- Sprinkle the reserved Mexican cheese blend over the top layer.
Bake and Serve:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once done, garnish the taco lasagna with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, cilantro, and sour cream, if desired.
Conclusion:
Taco Lasagna isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure that brings together the best of both worlds – the bold flavors of tacos and the comforting layers of lasagna. With its easy preparation and customizable toppings, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite, perfect for any occasion. So gather your loved ones around the table and indulge in a dish that’s as unique as it is delicious. Taco night will never be the same again!
image source : Kitchen Crafty Fun
