Description
A flavorful Southwest Lasagna that layers seasoned ground beef or turkey, black beans, corn, and spicy diced tomatoes with creamy cheese blends and crispy corn tortillas. Perfectly baked to meld bold Mexican-inspired flavors, topped with melted cheese and fresh cilantro garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
- 1 can (10 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
Other Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese, divided
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna layers evenly.
- Cook the Meat Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey along with the diced onion and minced garlic until the meat is cooked through and the onion is softened. Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for a robust Southwest flavor. Add the drained black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies. Let the mixture simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth and creamy. This will add a rich, tangy layer to balance the spices.
- Assemble the Lasagna Layers: Spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of corn tortillas on top of the meat. Spread a layer of the cream cheese mixture over the tortillas, followed by more meat mixture and a sprinkle of shredded Mexican blend cheese. Continue layering all ingredients, finishing with a generous topping of shredded cheese.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, which allows the lasagna to heat through and the flavors to combine.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This melts and bubbles the shredded cheese on top, creating a delicious golden crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of fresh flavor and serve warm.
Notes
- Lightly warming corn tortillas before layering helps make them more pliable and prevents cracking during assembly.
- For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or sprinkle additional chili powder on top before baking.
