Hearty Taco Pasta Lasagna

Name: Hearty Taco Pasta Lasagna
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles; 1 pound ground beef; 1 taco seasoning packet; 1 cup salsa; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella mix); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup corn; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Recipes

I created this Hearty Taco Pasta Lasagna as a fun twist on traditional lasagna, blending pasta layers with flavorful taco ingredients. The savory ground beef, zesty salsa, and creamy cheese sauce come together effortlessly to create a hearty meal that the whole family will love. It’s perfect for a gathering or a cozy night in, and the best part? It's ready in under an hour. I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-01T20:49:14.983Z

When I first tried making this Hearty Taco Pasta Lasagna, I was simply looking for a quick dinner idea that wouldn’t compromise on flavor. To my surprise, it turned out to be a hit! The combination of taco seasoning with pasta is a game changer, providing a burst of flavor that elevates a classic dish.

One specific tip I learned during my cooking trials is to let the lasagna rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the layers time to set, making it easier to slice and serve. Trust me, the anticipation makes the first bite even more rewarding!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Savory taco flavors combined with creamy layers of pasta and cheese
Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners
Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week

Cooking the Perfect Noodles

Cooking the lasagna noodles to the right texture is crucial for layering. Aim for al dente, which means the noodles should be slightly firm to the bite. This prevents them from becoming mushy as they cook further in the oven. Follow package instructions for timing, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, and remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once drained, running cold water over the noodles can halt the cooking process, allowing them to be easier to handle while assembling your lasagna.

When boiling your noodles, use a large pot with ample salted water to keep them from clumping. A jazzed-up twist is adding a drizzle of olive oil to the water, which can help make the noodles even less sticky. Be sure to layer the noodles with a bit of parchment paper or wax paper between them if you're preparing them in advance. This can save time and frustration during the assembly phase.

Enhancing Flavor with Seasonings

The taco seasoning is the heart of your filling flavor in this dish. Instead of using the packet straight from the store, consider adding extras like a pinch of cayenne for heat, or some chopped onion and garlic for additional depth. These simple enhancements can elevate the overall flavor profile significantly. Remember to let the mixture simmer for the full 5 minutes after adding the seasoning and salsa; this allows the spices to fully bloom and integrate into the beef.

For a fresher taste, try substituting your store-bought taco seasoning with a homemade blend using cumin, paprika, and oregano. This way, you can tailor the heat level and spices according to your family’s preference, ensuring a more personalized flavor. If you have leftover grilled chicken, it can also work wonderfully as a meat substitute, bringing a different texture to the lasagna.

Perfecting the Cheese Layers

Creating a well-balanced cheese mixture is essential for achieving the creamy texture in this lasagna. By combining ricotta with sour cream, you not only add creaminess but also a slight tang that complements the savory qualities of the meat. If you favor a herby touch, you could mix in some fresh parsley or Italian seasoning to the cheese mixture, enhancing its flavor without overwhelming the taco profile.

If you're looking to make this dish a bit lighter, consider using low-fat ricotta and sour cream; the flavor won’t be compromised much, and you can achieve a similar creaminess with fewer calories. For those dairy-free, there are excellent plant-based ricotta options available, which can blend seamlessly into the mixture and keep the dish cohesive without sacrificing the texture.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your Hearty Taco Pasta Lasagna:

Ingredients

9 lasagna noodles
1 pound ground beef
1 taco seasoning packet
1 cup salsa
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella mix)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup corn
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Make sure to adjust the quantities as needed based on your serving size.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious lasagna:

Cook the Noodles

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Once cooked, drain excess fat, then add the taco seasoning and salsa. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix the Cheeses

In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix well.

Assemble the Lasagna

In a baking dish, spread a layer of the meat mixture, followed by 3 lasagna noodles. Add half of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle on black beans and corn. Repeat layering, finishing with a layer of meat sauce topped with the remaining cheese.

Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

Let the lasagna cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro and enjoy!

Serve it with a simple salad or your favorite bread for a complete meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite taco toppings, such as jalapeños or avocado. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Make-Ahead Tips

This Hearty Taco Pasta Lasagna is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it completely and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for even tastier leftovers. Alternatively, if you’re pressed for time, prepare the meat mixture and cheese layers ahead of time, and simply cook the noodles right before assembly.

Another option is to freeze the lasagna. Bake it first, then let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Expect a 25-30 minute baking time for frozen lasagna. Keeping an eye on the cheese to ensure it doesn't over-bake is key.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve your Hearty Taco Pasta Lasagna with a green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the lasagna perfectly. You could also pair it with some garlic bread or soft tortillas to make it more filling.

For a fun twist, set up a taco bar to accompany the lasagna: provide toppings like diced avocados, jalapeños, additional salsa, and sour cream for a personalized experience. This not only enhances the meal but also encourages everyone to customize their servings, making it an interactive dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day before and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.

→ What can I use instead of ground beef?

Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives work well in this recipe.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Just let the lasagna cool, then wrap it tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months.

→ How can I make it spicier?

Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture or use a hot salsa to increase the heat level.