Cheesy Taco Lasagna

Cheesy Taco Lasagna is a delicious fusion of Mexican and Italian cuisines, perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. This dish layers seasoned ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and fresh pico de gallo between soft flour tortillas, creating a delightful and hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of taco-size flour tortillas (about 12 tortillas)
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 2 cups Pico de Gallo
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Sour cream & chopped green onions for toppings (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 400ºF. Grease a 9×11-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.

1. Cook the Meat:

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess grease.
• Add the taco seasoning packet to the meat, following the directions on the packet. Set aside.

1. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

• In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
• Add the heavy cream and stir gently using a whisk.
• Slowly add 2 cups of the shredded Mexican cheese blend to the cream mixture, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

1. Assemble the Lasagna:

• Cut the flour tortillas in half. Layer the bottom of the prepared baking dish with the tortilla halves, covering the entire surface.
• Spread 1/3 of the seasoned taco meat evenly over the tortillas.
• Pour 1/3 of the cheese sauce over the meat layer.
• Sprinkle 1/3 of the Pico de Gallo over the cheese sauce.
• Repeat the layers two more times, finishing with a layer of tortillas on top.

1. Top with Cheese:

• Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top layer of tortillas.

1. Bake:

• Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice into squares and serve hot.
• Optional: Top with sour cream and chopped green onions for extra flavor and garnish.

Tips:

• Tortillas: For a slightly different texture, you can use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
• Meat Options: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Cheese Sauce: For an extra kick, add a few chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• Pico de Gallo: If you prefer a milder flavor, use diced tomatoes instead of Pico de Gallo.

This Cheesy Taco Lasagna combines the best flavors of a taco with the comforting layers of a lasagna, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy!