This Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines all the best flavors of Mexican cuisine in a layered, cheesy lasagna format. The creamy cheese, tender beef, and flavorful taco seasoning meld together perfectly in the slow cooker, creating a comforting dish that everyone will love.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor. It’s the perfect meal for busy days when you want a tasty dinner without the hassle. The best part? It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy with the whole family.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 packet taco seasoning
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
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1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup frozen corn
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12 flour tortillas
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3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain any excess grease. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, green chilies, black beans, and corn. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine all the flavors.
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Spray the inside of the Crock Pot with cooking spray. Layer the bottom of the Crock Pot with 3 flour tortillas, cutting them as necessary to fit.
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Spread a portion of the beef mixture on top of the tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
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Repeat the layering process two more times, ending with a layer of cheese on top.
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Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is heated through.
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Once done, top with sour cream and chopped cilantro before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4-6 hours | Total Time: 4-6 hours | Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna: A Flavorful and Easy Meal for the Whole Family
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying, and easy-to-make dinner, look no further than Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna! This dish is a twist on the classic Italian lasagna, using delicious Mexican ingredients like seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a cheesy blend of Mexican cheeses. Plus, it’s all cooked in your slow cooker, making it the perfect hassle-free meal for busy weeknights.
One of the greatest things about this Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal waiting for you after a long day. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just to enjoy throughout the week, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why Choose a Crock Pot for This Dish?
There’s something magical about slow-cooked meals, and Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna is no exception. Using a Crock Pot or slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, ensuring that each bite is bursting with rich and savory goodness. It also means less effort for you, as the slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day.
Slow cooking is ideal for layering flavors and tenderizing ingredients like ground beef and tortillas. Instead of having to bake the lasagna in the oven for a long period, the slow cooker allows the lasagna to cook evenly over a low heat, with the cheese melting perfectly and the flavors deepening as they cook. The result? A cheesy, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s ready to serve without much fuss.
Ingredients That Make This Recipe Special
Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna uses a variety of ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and filling meal. Here’s a closer look at some of the key components that make this dish stand out:
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Ground Beef: The base of the dish, ground beef adds a savory richness and protein to the lasagna. You can also swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a spicier version, you can use chorizo for an additional burst of flavor.
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Taco Seasoning: A packet of taco seasoning brings that classic Mexican flavor to the dish. This seasoning blend includes chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder, giving the beef mixture a slightly spicy and aromatic taste. You can even make your own homemade taco seasoning if you prefer to control the ingredients.
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Black Beans: Black beans add a creamy texture and an additional layer of flavor. They’re also a great source of fiber and protein, making the dish more filling.
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Corn: Frozen corn adds a slightly sweet crunch that complements the savory elements in the dish. It also brings a pop of color, making your lasagna more visually appealing.
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Flour Tortillas: Instead of the traditional lasagna noodles, we use flour tortillas as the base for the layers. This makes the lasagna easier to assemble and gives it a soft, tender texture. The tortillas soak up the sauce as it cooks, creating a hearty, comforting bite.
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Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: A mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby brings the dish its signature cheesy goodness. The cheese melts perfectly, creating a luscious layer of melted cheese in every bite.
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Sour Cream and Cilantro: These toppings add a fresh contrast to the rich and cheesy lasagna. The coolness of sour cream balances the warmth and spice of the dish, while cilantro adds a touch of brightness and freshness.
How to Make the Best Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. There’s no need to boil noodles or make a complicated sauce from scratch. You just layer the ingredients in the Crock Pot and let the slow cooker work its magic. Here are a few tips to ensure your lasagna turns out perfect:
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Brown the Ground Beef: While you can technically add the raw ground beef directly to the Crock Pot, browning it beforehand enhances the flavor and helps render out excess fat. This step also allows you to break up the beef into smaller crumbles for a more even texture.
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Use the Right Size Crock Pot: If you have a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, you’ll have plenty of room to layer the tortillas and other ingredients without overcrowding. A smaller Crock Pot may not allow for enough layers, so be sure to choose the right size.
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Layer Carefully: Be sure to layer the tortillas, beef mixture, and cheese evenly for the best results. You want the tortillas to absorb the sauce as it cooks, so make sure each layer is fully covered. If you have extra tortillas, you can add another layer of them to make the lasagna even heartier.
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Cook on Low: The slow cooker is meant to cook on low heat, so make sure you don’t turn it on high, which may result in the lasagna becoming overcooked or dried out. Let the dish cook for about 4-6 hours on low for perfectly tender layers and a melty, cheesy top.
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Finish with Fresh Toppings: Once the lasagna is done cooking, don’t forget to top it with sour cream and fresh cilantro. These finishing touches will elevate the dish and bring a burst of fresh flavor that balances the richness of the lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna is a one-pot meal that’s hearty enough to serve on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for what to serve alongside your lasagna:
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Guacamole and Salsa: Serve with a side of fresh guacamole and your favorite salsa for an extra burst of flavor. The creamy guacamole and tangy salsa make the perfect accompaniment to this cheesy dish.
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Mexican Rice: Light and fluffy Mexican rice is a great side dish to serve with lasagna. It complements the flavors of the lasagna while adding a satisfying starch to the meal.
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Chopped Salad: A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and a light dressing will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lasagna. You can even add a squeeze of lime juice for extra brightness.
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Mexican Street Corn: For an extra indulgence, serve your lasagna with Mexican street corn (elote). The creamy, cheesy, and spicy corn is the perfect match for this hearty lasagna.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
This Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna is perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Here are some tips for making the most of your lasagna:
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Make Ahead: You can prepare the lasagna the night before and store it in the fridge. Then, simply cook it in the Crock Pot the next day. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep, parties, or busy nights when you want to have a meal ready with minimal effort.
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Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The lasagna reheats well in the microwave or on the stove. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna is the ultimate comfort food, combining all the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine in an easy, slow-cooked dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort. With its layers of seasoned beef, black beans, corn, and gooey cheese, this lasagna is sure to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re serving it for dinner, taking it to a potluck, or enjoying leftovers for lunch, Crock Pot Mexican Lasagna is a satisfying and flavorful option that everyone will love. Plus, with its simple ingredients and easy prep, it’s the perfect dish for both novice cooks and experienced chefs alike. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, cheesy, and filling meal with your loved ones!