Zesty Pioneer Woman Mexican Lasagna Recipe You’ll Adore

Mexican lasagna erupts with flavor, merging Mediterranean pasta techniques and vibrant southwestern spices into one incredible culinary adventure.

Forget boring weeknight meals and embrace this zesty cross-cultural creation that promises pure deliciousness.

Tender tortillas replace classic pasta sheets, transforming an Italian classic into a fiesta of robust tastes.

Seasoned ground beef, smoky chiles, and creamy cheeses meld together in a harmonious blend that ignites taste buds.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels both comforting and thrilling.

Packed with protein and bursting with authentic Mexican-inspired seasonings, this dish delivers a knockout dining experience.

Revolutionize dinner and impress everyone at the table with this show-stopping fusion feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 11

Ingredient Lineup for Pioneer Woman Mexican Lasagna

• Rice: Choose long-grain white rice for best texture and fluffy result.
• Chicken Broth: Select low-sodium version for better flavor control.

• Tomatoes, Onion, Garlic: Select ripe, firm vegetables with vibrant colors and no soft spots.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter to manage overall dish saltiness.
• Chili Powder, Paprika, Cumin: Opt for fresh, high-quality spices for robust flavor profile.

• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for healthier option with less grease.
• Black Beans: Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium if needed.
• Corn Kernels: Fresh or frozen kernels work perfectly for sweet crunch.
• Corn Tortillas: Select soft, pliable tortillas without cracks.
• Mexican Cheese Blend: Look for freshly shredded cheese for best melting quality.

• Salsa Verde: Select medium heat for balanced flavor.
• Enchilada Sauce: Choose authentic brand for genuine taste.
• Sour Cream, Cilantro: Use fresh ingredients for bright, crisp finish.
• Taco Seasoning: Optional for extra spice kick.

Gear Needed for Mexican Lasagna Prep

• Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and browning beef with even heat distribution.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for layering lasagna and ensuring even cooking.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for finely chopping tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching pans.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient portioning.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for shredding Mexican cheese blend if not pre-shredded.
• Oven Mitts: Crucial for safely handling hot baking dish and preventing burns.

Method for Making Pioneer Woman Mexican Lasagna

• Prepare Flavor-Packed Base

Start by cooking rice in a savory chicken broth, creating a delicious foundation. Stir gently to ensure each grain remains fluffy and perfectly seasoned.

• Sizzle Vegetable Medley

Chop tomatoes, onions, and garlic into tiny pieces. Heat butter in a large skillet and dance those veggies around until they release their amazing aromas. Sprinkle with warming spices that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Combine Rice and Veggie Magic

Gently fold cooked rice into the sautéed vegetables. Toss in black beans for an extra burst of texture and flavor that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Brown Juicy Beef Perfection

In another skillet, cook ground beef with a symphony of spices. Add a splash of water to create a rich, saucy consistency that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

• Layer Lasagna Love

Spread salsa verde across the baking dish. Create a cozy blanket of corn tortillas, slightly overlapping to cover every inch of the bottom.

• Build Cheesy Rice Dream

Spread half the rice mixture over tortillas. Shower with a generous handful of Mexican cheese that’ll melt into gooey goodness.

• Create Spicy Sauce Layer

Add another tortilla layer. Pour enchilada sauce to create a zesty river of flavor across the dish.

• Meat and Corn Celebration

Scatter browned beef over the sauce. Sprinkle corn kernels like delightful little flavor bombs.

• Final Flavor Explosion

Top with remaining rice mixture. Drench in salsa verde and crown with a final cheese avalanche.

• Bake to Crispy Perfection

Dust the top with a sprinkle of taco seasoning for an extra kick. Bake until the edges turn golden and the cheese bubbles with excitement.

• Serve and Devour

Let the lasagna rest briefly, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of cool sour cream. Slice into this flavor masterpiece and enjoy every single bite.

Creative Tips for Pioneer Woman Mexican Lasagna

• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and cayenne pepper to match your heat tolerance. Start with small amounts and gradually increase for perfect personal kick.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives for diverse flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Eliminate meat completely by doubling black beans and adding roasted bell peppers or zucchini for substantial texture and nutrition.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, queso fresco, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor dimensions in your lasagna.

Best Ways to Serve Mexican Lasagna

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the rich, cheesy layers.
• Cool and Slice Strategically: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking to help it set, making it easier to slice into perfect, Instagram-worthy portions.
• Customize with Toppings: Add dollops of cool sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or a drizzle of hot sauce to personalize each serving and amp up the flavor profile.
• Pair with Side Dishes: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or Mexican-style street corn to create a complete and satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Save and Store Mexican Lasagna the Right Way

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in refrigerator, maintaining delicious flavors and textures.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays good for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual servings in microwave for 2-3 minutes, covering with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, use oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, restoring original mouthwatering taste.
• Prep Ahead Strategically: Chop vegetables and cook rice one day in advance. Store separately in sealed containers. Assemble lasagna just before baking to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy texture.

Spicy Pioneer Woman Mexican Lasagna Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mexican lasagna brings layers of spicy comfort from Mexican and Italian cuisines, blending ground beef, tortillas, and melted cheese into a hearty casserole. Warm flavors and simple ingredients make this dish perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor repeatedly.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) lean ground beef
• 4 cups uncooked rice
• 1–2 cans black or pinto beans (optional)
• 4–8 tomatoes
• 2–3 onions
• 8–14 garlic cloves
• 3 cans corn, drained
• 6–8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 jars (16 oz/454 g) salsa verde
• 1 jar (16 oz/454 g) enchilada sauce
• 3 tbsps chili powder
• 1.5 tbsps paprika
• 1.5 tbsps cumin
• 1 tbsp butter
• 3 packages (16 oz/454 g each) Mexican cheese blend
• Flour tortillas
• Sour cream, to taste
• Cilantro, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rice Preparation: Simmer rice in chicken broth with a pinch of salt, ensuring grains absorb the liquid completely and become light and fluffy.
2. Vegetable Foundation: Sauté finely chopped tomatoes, onions, and garlic in butter until they release their aromatic essence and become translucent.
3. Spice Infusion: Integrate chili powder, paprika, and cumin into the vegetable mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Rice and Bean Amalgamation: Combine cooked rice with the spiced vegetable medley, gently folding in beans to create a cohesive filling.
5. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef with additional spices, adding water to create a rich sauce. Cook until meat is fully caramelized and tender.
6. Layering Foundation: Spread a generous base of salsa verde in the baking dish, creating a zesty initial layer.
7. Initial Tortilla Layer: Arrange tortillas to cover the salsa verde, slightly overlapping to ensure complete coverage.
8. First Cheese and Rice Layer: Distribute half of the rice mixture over tortillas, then blanket with a substantial layer of cheese.
9. Sauce and Meat Layer: Pour enchilada sauce over the cheese, then evenly spread the seasoned ground beef and scattered corn kernels.
10. Final Assembly: Complete with remaining rice mixture, an additional layer of salsa verde, and a final generous cheese topping.
11. Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle taco seasoning or cayenne pepper across the surface for an extra flavor dimension.
12. Baking Process: Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-35 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden-brown crust.
13. Serving Preparation: Rest the lasagna briefly, then garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Precise Rice Preparation: Cook rice in chicken broth to enhance flavor depth and prevent bland, dry results.
• Spice Layering Technique: Thoroughly mix spices at each stage to create a complex, well-balanced flavor profile throughout the dish.
• Moisture Management: Use salsa verde and enchilada sauce strategically to keep the lasagna moist and prevent dry, tough layers.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Distribute cheese evenly and watch closely during final baking to achieve a perfectly golden, bubbly top without burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg