Mexican-Style Beef Lasagna with Roasted Red Pepper Salsa

Cinco de Mayo is more than a date—it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and flavor. And what better way to celebrate than with a bold, layered dish that fuses classic Mexican ingredients with the comfort of Italian cooking? This Mexican-Style Beef Lasagna is a flavorful and festive centerpiece perfect for sharing with friends and family.

This dish combines layers of spiced ground beef, creamy refried beans, two kinds of salsa, and plenty of melted cheese, all nestled between tender sheets of lasagna noodles. It’s a casserole-style meal that delivers deep flavor, hearty textures, and pure satisfaction. Even better, it’s made without pork or ham, and bacon is swapped for lean, seasoned ground beef.

Whether you’re planning a party menu or just want something different for dinner, this lasagna delivers on flavor and comfort. And while it looks impressive on the table, it’s surprisingly easy to make—even for beginners. Let’s dive into how to make it.

Ingredients and Preparation

Main Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef (or ground chicken if preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
• 1 cup water
• 1 (15-ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup chunky tomato salsa
• 1 cup roasted red pepper salsa
• 1 (8-ounce) package no-boil lasagna noodles
• 4 cups shredded Mexican blend or Colby Jack cheese
• 2 cups sour cream (regular or reduced fat)

Toppings (Optional but recommended):

• 1 fresh tomato, diced
• ¼ cup sliced black olives
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef

• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the ground beef and cook until browned, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
• Drain any excess fat once the beef is cooked through.
• Stir in taco seasoning and 1 cup of water.
• Let the mixture simmer for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and flavors are well combined.
• Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Mix the Bean and Salsa Filling

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine:
  • Refried beans
  • 1 cup chunky tomato salsa
• Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This will act as one of the flavorful layers in the lasagna.

3. Begin Assembling the Lasagna

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.
• Set up a layering station with all your components ready: noodles, meat, bean-salsa blend, cheese, and red pepper salsa.

4. Layering the Dish
Follow this pattern for layers:

• Bottom layer:
  • Spread ½ cup roasted red pepper salsa on the bottom of the dish.
  • Lay 3–4 no-boil noodles side-by-side to cover the base.
• First full layer:
  • Spread one-third of the cooked beef mixture evenly.
  • Spread one-third of the bean and salsa mixture.
  • Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded cheese.
• Repeat the process:
  • Add another layer of noodles.
  • Add more beef, bean mixture, and cheese.
• Final layer:
  • Add noodles, the last portion of beef, and bean mixture.
  • Top with remaining red pepper salsa.
• Finish with cheese:
  • Add 1 final cup of cheese on top, spreading evenly.

5. Bake the Lasagna

• Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Remove from oven and allow the dish to rest for 10–15 minutes to firm up before slicing.

6. Add Finishing Touches
Top the lasagna with:

• Dollops of sour cream
• Diced tomato
• Sliced black olives
• Green onions
• Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley

These garnishes not only add color and freshness but help cut through the richness of the dish.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• No-boil noodles save time: These are designed to cook perfectly in the oven, absorbing moisture from the sauces as the lasagna bakes. Just make sure each layer includes enough liquid.
• Don’t skip resting time: Allowing the lasagna to sit for 10–15 minutes after baking helps everything set up and makes for cleaner slices.
• Control the heat: Use mild salsa if serving kids or guests who prefer less spice. If you like it hot, add chopped jalapeños to the meat or use spicy salsa.
• Customize with vegetables: Add roasted corn, black beans, or sautéed bell peppers to the layers for extra nutrients and texture.
• Ground chicken alternative: This lean protein works beautifully in this dish and absorbs the taco seasoning well. Just be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out faster than beef.

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Serving Suggestions

This lasagna is rich and hearty, so light, fresh sides work best. Here are some ideas:

• Simple green salad: Toss with romaine lettuce, avocado, red onions, and a lime vinaigrette.
• Cilantro-lime rice: A bright, fragrant side that pairs well with the rich layers.
• Tortilla chips and guacamole: Add some crunch and creaminess to your meal.
• Grilled corn on the cob: Brushed with lime butter and sprinkled with chili powder and cheese.
• Beverages:
  • Agua fresca (like watermelon or pineapple)
  • Sparkling lime soda
  • Margaritas or micheladas for adult guests

Final Thought

Mexican-Style Beef Lasagna is one of those rare dishes that manages to feel both familiar and new at the same time. It takes the comfort and structure of lasagna and reinvents it with the spices and vibrant ingredients of Mexican cuisine. This dish doesn’t just feed a crowd—it satisfies with warmth, flavor, and a bit of flair.

Whether you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this lasagna is a dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s versatile, satisfying, and festive—everything a great meal should be. Serve it hot from the oven with your favorite toppings and enjoy a layered bite of something special.

Let me know if you’d like this adapted with ground chicken, or if you want me to write another 1200-word recipe from the same theme!