A flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish, this Mexican Lasagna features layers of spicy meat sauce, creamy queso fresco, and melty Oaxaca cheese. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
For the meat sauce
🌶️ 4 guajillo peppers
🌶️ 2 dried chipotles
🧄 3 garlic cloves
🧅 1/2 onion
💧 4 cups of water
🌶️ 6 banana peppers
🌶️ 2 large jalapeños
🛢️ 2 tbsp of cooking oil
🧅 1/2 onion, diced
🍖 1 lb of ground beef
🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste
🌿 1 tbsp of Mexican oregano
For the lasagna
🧀 12 oz of queso fresco, crumbled
🥛 16 oz of Mexican crema
🍝 1 (16 oz) package of lasagna pasta (uncooked)
🧀 2 cups of shredded Oaxaca cheese
🌿 Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
Equipment
• Pot
• Blender
• Pan
• Oven-safe dish (9”x 13”)
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time
1 hour 10 minutes
Makes
8 servings
Calories & Macros (per serving)
• Calories: Approximately 400
• Protein: 20g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 20g
Instructions
1. Prepare the meat sauce
o Boil the guajillo peppers, dried chipotles, garlic, and onion in water until tender. Blend the mixture with some of the cooking liquid and set aside.
o Char the banana peppers and jalapeños on a grill or stove burner, then chop them with seeds intact. If you don’t have a gas stove or grill, broil them until charred.
o Heat cooking oil in a pan and sauté the diced onion for a few minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and season with salt, black pepper, and Mexican oregano. Mix in the blended pepper sauce and set aside.
2. Assemble the lasagna
o In an oven-safe dish (9”x 13”), start with a layer of uncooked lasagna pasta. Add a layer of Mexican crema, queso fresco, and meat sauce. Repeat these steps three more times, finishing with a layer of pasta on top.
3. Bake the lasagna
o Cover the dish with food service film and then foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
4. Add the final layer
o Uncover the lasagna and spread the remaining Mexican crema on top. Sprinkle with shredded Oaxaca cheese and broil on high until the cheese is melted and golden.
5. Garnish and serve
o Garnish the lasagna with freshly chopped cilantro and serve warm.
Cooking and Serving Tips
• Pair with a crisp green salad or Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• For a spicier dish, add more chipotle or jalapeños to the meat sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Enjoy the rich and bold flavors of Mexican Lasagna! 🌟