Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna Recipe

Ever had one of those days where you’re craving all the goodness of tacos and enchiladas but don’t want to choose just one? Let’s dive into this slow-cooker taco enchilada lasagna, a cheesy, savory masterpiece that’ll have your taste buds dancing and declaring this recipe pure genius.

I adore creating recipes that yield electrifying flavors, like my Mexican lasagna. It’s a dish that, on first glance, seems like it could just be a Tex-Mex side that riffs on an Italian classic.

But it’s very much a main event in our house. It’s got juicy, well-seasoned ground beef, zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies, and hearty black beans.

And it’s so much more than just a beefy bean-y meal: the smoky spices, luscious cheese, and fresh cilantro take it somewhere truly special.

Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna Recipe Ingredients

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Rich in protein, adds heartiness to the dish.
• Black Beans: Packed with fiber, they contribute a creamy texture.
• Garlic: Provides a flavorful base, known for its health benefits.
• Taco Seasoning: Infuses the dish with classic Mexican spices.
• Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: Adds zesty flavor and bite.
• Enchilada Sauce: Lends smokiness and authentic Mexican touch.
• Mexican Blend Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creaminess.

Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning mix
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) corn, drained
• 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1 can (15 ounces) enchilada sauce
• 8-10 flour or corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, jalapeños

How to Make this Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna Recipe

1. In a frying pan over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is soft and clear.

2. Place ground beef or turkey into a skillet and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking up any clumps with a spoon. Then add the rest of the ingredients.

3. Add the drained black beans, drained corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the pan. Stir in the taco seasoning mix. Cook over medium heat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

4. In a slow cooker, pour a thin layer of sauce for the enchiladas to cover the bottom.

5. Tortillas layer 2-3 over the sauce, covering the bottoms evenly and tearing them when necessary to do so.

6. Place a third of the meat filling on top of the tortillas. Then, add a layer of cheese.

7. Layer again: tortillas, the rest of the enchilada sauce, the meat mixture, and cheese until all layers are used, finishing with a layer of cheese and the remaining sauce on top.

8. For 4-5 hours, cover and cook on the low setting or, if you prefer to cook on the high setting, then for 2-3 hours. Cooking this way allows the cheese to do what it does best: melt and get bubbly!

9. After cooking, allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes to set before serving.

10. Accompany with any of the following optional ingredients: sour cream, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, folded or rolled-up jalapeños. Then give it a go!

Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Frying pan
2. Skillet
3. Slow cooker
4. Cutting board
5. Knife
6. Wooden spoon or spatula
7. Measuring spoons
8. Can opener
9. Colander (for draining beans and corn)
10. Mixing bowl (optional, for combining ingredients before adding to the skillet or slow cooker)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of meat or make it vegetarian?A: Yes, you can use ground chicken or leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian alternative. Just add more beans or veggies to account for the missing volume.
• Q: What if I don’t have taco seasoning?A: If you don’t have taco seasoning, you can mix together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in its place.
• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?A: You may indeed use fresh tomatoes, yet you might have to supplement them with some extra liquid or moisture in order to obtain a consistency that matches that of canned tomatoes with green chilies.
• Q: Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?A: You can use any cheese you like, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, but a Mexican cheese blend gives a more authentic flavor.
• Q: Can this be made ahead of time?A: Yes, the ingredients can be prepared in advance and layered in the slow cooker. Then, they can be placed in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
• Q: How long should I cook it in the slow cooker?A: Prepare on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
• Q: Can the tortillas be corn instead of flour?A: Absolutely! If you fancy corn tortillas, they work wonderfully, plus they’re a great option for anyone on a gluten-free diet.

Slow Cooker Mexican Lasagna Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute ground chicken or a plant-based alternative for ground beef or turkey.
One teaspoon of garlic powder can replace fresh garlic cloves. It is also easy to substitute with garlic salt, using 1 teaspoon for every 2 to 3 cloves called for in your recipe.
Vegetable or canola oil can replace olive oil.
You can replace taco seasoning with a home mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and onion powder.
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute salsa for enchilada sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Pre-toast the Tortillas Lightly toast or warm the tortillas in a skillet before layering them. This helps prevent them from becoming too soggy in the slow cooker and adds a slight, pleasant firmness.

2. Enhance the Meat Flavor Before adding the taco seasoning to the meat, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef or chicken broth. This will lift the flavorful bits stuck to the pan and enrich the meat’s taste.

3. Add a Cheese Blend For a more complex flavor, use a mix of cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Pepper Jack, instead of just a Mexican blend.

4. Fresh Ingredients Finish Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro to the lasagna just before serving. This adds a fresh, vibrant contrast to the savory flavors.

5. Customize Spice Levels Adjust the heat by selecting diced tomatoes with mild, medium, or hot green chilies based on your preference. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to the meat mixture for extra spice.