A bubbling, cheesy, flavor-packed Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole is everything weeknight comfort food dreams are made of. Think all the craveable components of tacos, enchiladas, and lasagna bundled into one glorious dish. Each slice delivers seasoned beef, black beans, melty cheese, soft noodles, and just the right touch of heat.

Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole holds up like a champ. It layers easily, bakes beautifully, and reheats like it was just made fresh. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and you’ve got a fiesta-worthy plate in under an hour.

What Kind of Noodles Work Best for Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole?

Traditional lasagna noodles do the trick here—either oven-ready or boiled beforehand. You could swap in flour tortillas for a softer, enchilada-like vibe or even try no-boil pasta sheets if you’re after maximum convenience. The key is to choose something sturdy enough to hold up to the layers of saucy beef and cheese.

Ingredients for the Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole

1 pound ground beef
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
9 lasagna noodles, cooked or oven-ready
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
1 packet taco seasoning
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
1 tomato, diced, for garnish

How To Make the Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant—about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in taco seasoning and stir in diced tomatoes with green chiles. Add drained black beans and mix well. Let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep

While the meat mixture simmers, preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Step 5: Layer It Up

Start with a thin layer of the beef mixture on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of cooked lasagna noodles, followed by more beef mixture, and a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat until you reach the top, ending with cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Top with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh chopped cilantro if desired.

Serving and Storing Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole

This casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Pair it with a crisp green salad, avocado slices, or even corn on the cob for a balanced meal. It makes a show-stopping centerpiece for casual get-togethers or weeknight dinners.

To store, let leftovers cool completely, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For freezing, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this casserole?

It has a mild to medium kick depending on the brand of taco seasoning and diced tomatoes with chiles. For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground meat or add extra beans, corn, or sautéed veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.

What cheese can I substitute?

If you don’t have Monterey Jack, use Pepper Jack for extra spice or mozzarella for a milder taste. A Mexican blend also works well.

Do I need to boil the noodles first?

If you’re using oven-ready noodles, you can skip the boiling step. Traditional lasagna noodles should be boiled until al dente.

Can I assemble it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going straight from fridge to oven.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Definitely. Freeze baked or unbaked (but assembled) casserole and thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

Want More Casserole Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting, flavor-packed meals:

Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for a pasta bake with a cheesy twist.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef when you’re craving something rich and indulgent.
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole if you want that creamy-cheesy-meaty trifecta.
Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites & Potatoes for a set-it-and-forget-it dinner option.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup when you’re in the mood for spoonable comfort food.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest casserole board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Jam on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add corn? Maybe a spicy salsa drizzle?

I love hearing your twists and tweaks. Got questions? Drop them below so we can all cook smarter together!

Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Mexican Lasagna Layered Beef Casserole blends everything you love about tacos, enchiladas, and classic lasagna into one hearty, cheesy bake. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this dish features savory ground beef, black beans, tomatoes with green chiles, and gooey melted cheese layered between soft lasagna noodles. Garnish with sour cream, tomatoes, and fresh cilantro for the ultimate finish.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

2. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in taco seasoning, diced tomatoes with green chiles, and black beans. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to combine flavors.

4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

5. Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture in the baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, more beef mixture, and a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.

6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Let casserole rest for 10 minutes. Slice and garnish with sour cream, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.