Name: Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef; 1 yellow onion chopped; 1/4 cup flour; 3 tablespoons chili powder (NOT cayenne pepper); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/3 cup tomato paste; 4-6 garlic cloves minced; 3 1/2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth; 1 (14.5 oz.) can fire roasted diced tomatoes, with juices; 1 (4 oz.) can mild chopped green chiles; 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon sugar; Pinch of cinnamon; 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained (may substitute black beans); 1 1/2 cup frozen sweet corn (no need to thaw); 1 (6 oz.) can chopped black olives, drained; 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 15 regular lasagna noodles (NOT no boil); 2 cups freshly grated Monterrey Jack cheese; 2 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 8 oz. cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup mild salsa verde (such as Herdez); 1/4 teaspoon salt

Picture layers of tender noodles, rich meats, and melty cheeses infused with warm spices—that’s what the Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe brings to your dinner table. It’s comfort food with a fiesta twist, and I promise it’s worth every delicious bite.

A thick square piece of lasagna sits centered on a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath. The bottom layer is a deep brown meat sauce mixed with bits of corn, topped by a layer of melted cheese that is light golden-yellow and shiny. On top of the cheese are bright red diced tomatoes and sliced black olives scattered around, with chopped green herbs sprinkled over everything for freshness. The colors show a nice contrast between the rich meat sauce, creamy cheese, and fresh toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m honestly excited to share this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between hearty and fresh. It’s like enchiladas and lasagna had the best baby, and that creamy filling? It’s pure magic.

Layers of Flavor: Every bite delivers a thoughtful mix of smoky meat, creaminess, and melty cheese that just keeps you coming back.
Kid-Friendly Spice Level: Despite bold chili seasonings, this recipe isn’t spicy, so it’s great for family dinners with picky eaters.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep this Mexican Lasagna entirely in advance, so dinnertime stress melts away.
Customizable Ingredients: This recipe invites you to swap veggies, beans, or proteins to make it your own kitchen creation.

A close-up view of a layered lasagna piece being lifted with a spoon, showing at least four visible layers of wavy pasta sheets in between rich brown meat sauce with small bits of corn and melted orange cheese. The top layer is covered with more melted cheese, garnished with chopped red tomatoes, sliced black olives, and green herbs. The lasagna sits inside a white baking dish with some baked sauce marks on the sides, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe combines classic pantry staples with bold seasonings to create a sauce that simmers to perfection. Each ingredient adds a layer of depth or texture—plus, I’ll share my favorite swaps to make shopping easier.

Flat lay of a raw lean ground beef portion shaped naturally, a whole yellow onion with smooth skin, a small mound of white flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a neat pile of vibrant red chili powder, small piles of ground cumin and garlic powder each on separate white ceramic dishes, a pinch of finely ground smoked paprika and dried oregano each in tiny white bowls, a tiny heap of cayenne pepper, a thick dollop of bright red tomato paste on a plain white dish, several unpeeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with clear golden chicken broth, a simple white bowl holding chunky fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl with mild chopped green chiles, a white bowl containing rich brown unsweetened cocoa powder, a small portion of fine white sugar, a small pinch of ground cinnamon on a white dish, a pile of rinsed pinto beans on a plain white plate, a small mound of bright yellow frozen sweet corn kernels, a little cluster of sliced black olives on a white dish, and a tiny white bowl holding light amber apple cider vinegar, several smooth uncracked brown eggs, a neat stack of uncooked flat rectangular regular lasagna noodles, two small heaps of freshly grated Monterrey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses on separate white plates, a small white bowl of creamy sour cream, a dollop of smooth cream cheese, a small white bowl filled with mild green salsa verde, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground beef: It provides a meaty, juicy base while keeping the dish from being too greasy.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and savory depth when cooked slowly.
Flour: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully without lumps.
Chili powder (American-style): The heart of the spice blend—be sure it’s the mild mix, not pure cayenne, to keep flavor balanced.
Ground cumin, garlic powder, coriander, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper: Each brings complexity, smokiness, and warmth to the sauce.
Tomato paste and fire roasted diced tomatoes: Give the sauce body and a roasted tang.
Green chiles: Keep the dish mild but add subtle heat and depth.
Cocoa powder, sugar, cinnamon: These unexpected extras enhance the sauce with that authentic Mexican touch.
Pinto beans and sweet corn: Bring creamy texture and natural sweetness, plus a veggie boost.
Black olives: Add briny bursts that contrast nicely with the richness.
Apple cider vinegar: Finishes the sauce with brightness and balance.
Regular lasagna noodles: They absorb flavors perfectly without getting mushy—no boil noodles just won’t work here.
Monterrey Jack and sharp cheddar cheese: A melty duo that adds gooey richness and tang.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Combined with cream cheese and salsa verde for that dreamy creamy filling that cuts through the meatiness.
Cream cheese: Softened, it boosts creaminess for an irresistible texture.
Mild salsa verde: Brings a little zip to the creamy layers—Herdez is my go-to brand.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe is how easy it is to customize. It's a great base recipe, and once you’ve made it a couple times, you can start swapping in your favorite veggies, proteins, or even different cheeses.

Variation: I’ve tried using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of ground beef when I want to lighten it up—same delicious flavor, just a different texture.
Vegetable swaps: Need more greens? Throw in sautéed zucchini, diced bell peppers, or even sweet potatoes for an extra nutrient boost.
Bean choice: Pinto beans create that creamy texture I adore, but black beans work well too—you might just want to simmer them longer so they soften up nice and tender.
Gluten-Free option: Corn tortillas work surprisingly well here if you’re avoiding gluten, just layer them like the noodles, and adjust sauce thickness if needed.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe

Step 1: Soften the Noodles to Perfect Tenderness

Before diving into the filling, I soak the lasagna noodles in hot tap water in a shallow pan. Trust me, this trick saves so much hassle later because the noodles become pliable without needing boiling. Just stir them occasionally so they don’t stick together, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes while you make the sauce. This step is key for that perfect, tender noodle texture we all love.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Meat Filling

I brown the ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Once the beef is almost cooked through, I sprinkle in the seasoned flour mix—this step thickens the sauce and adds layers of flavor. After a couple of minutes, the tomato paste and garlic join the party, cooking down to deepen the richness. Then comes the magic: pouring in chicken broth, tomatoes, chiles, cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon. Simmering this mixture 10-15 minutes lets it thicken and marry all those ingredients into a luscious sauce. Finally, I stir in beans, corn, olives, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for brightness before pulling it off the heat.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Filling

While the meat simmers, I whisk together sour cream (or Greek yogurt), softened cream cheese, mild salsa verde, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. This creamy filling adds a refreshing, tangy counterpoint to the savory, spiced meat filling. I love how it keeps the lasagna from feeling heavy—it’s the layer that really brings the whole dish together.

Step 4: Layer it All Up

I start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan, then lay down four noodles plus part of a fifth to cover. Over the noodles, I spread creamy filling, then sprinkle a cup of combined Monterrey Jack and sharp cheddar. I repeat this layering two more times so I have three beautiful, cheesy, creamy layers of goodness. The final touch is topping everything with the remaining meat sauce and cheese before covering with foil and popping it in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

The lasagna bakes covered at 350°F for 30 minutes to let all those flavors meld. Then I remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes to get the cheese bubbly and golden. Patience is key here—let the casserole rest for 15 minutes outside the oven before slicing. This way, the layers set nicely and you get perfect, tidy servings every time.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that make this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe absolutely foolproof and flavorful every time.

Use American-style chili powder: This blend balances heat and flavor without overwhelming you, unlike pure cayenne powder which can make the dish fiery—speaking from a smoky mouth past experience!
Pre-measure your seasonings: Since the meat filling calls for a handful of spices, mixing them all with the flour beforehand keeps things simple and ensures you don’t forget or overcook the beef while measuring.
Don’t skip the cocoa, sugar, and cinnamon: These little additions mimic Mexican chocolate warmth and depth in the sauce—once I added them, my family demanded this lasagna every month.
Rest before slicing: Letting the lasagna cool 15 minutes after baking helps the layers stick together and makes serving much easier.

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this lasagna with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cilantro to brighten flavors. Fresh diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, and a few olives scattered on top add fresh texture that contrasts beautifully with the warm, cheesy layers.

Side Dishes

To keep things simple, I usually pair this Mexican Lasagna with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. Mexican street corn or a bowl of Mexican rice also make fantastic side dishes if you want to really lean into the theme!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered it in individual ramekins—perfect for personal portions and fancy presentation. Adding a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños or serving it with lime wedges on the side gives guests a fun, interactive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover leftover Mexican Lasagna tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to mingle.

Freezing

I often make a double batch and freeze half for busy nights. You can freeze it either before baking or after it’s cooked. Just tightly wrap it with plastic wrap and foil, then label it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge 48 hours before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes or until bubbly again. For a quick fix, microwave individual portions for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through if you like.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can swap the ground beef for extra beans, sautéed vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and maybe add a plant-based ground meat substitute if you like. Just adjust your seasonings and sauce thickness accordingly.

What’s the best way to avoid noodles sticking together while soaking?

Make sure you stir the noodles occasionally while soaking in hot water, and use a pan where the noodles can lie flat without cramming. Keeping them separate prevents clumps and ensures even softness.

Can I prepare the sauces ahead of time?

Yes, I often make the meat filling and creamy filling a day or two ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. This makes assembly quick and stress-free on the day you want to bake.

How spicy is this dish?

While it includes chili powder and a touch of cayenne, this recipe is designed to be mild and flavorful—not hot. It’s suitable even for kids or those sensitive to spice, so it’s perfect for family dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Lasagna Recipe with Creamy Filling Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it brings together so many beloved flavors and textures in one comforting dish. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to, both for everyday dinners and festive occasions. I hope you’ll give it a try—you’re going to love that perfect blend of creamy, spicy, cheesy, and saucy goodness as much as I do.