Mexican Enchilada Lasagna - knedir Recipes

The Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is a brilliant fusion dish that takes the best of both worlds—layers of saucy enchilada fillings and the comforting structure of a classic lasagna. This recipe features tender Pork Carnitas (or your choice of protein), sweet corn, hearty beans, and a rich, tangy enchilada sauce, all baked between layers of tortillas and topped with bubbling cheese.

It’s a perfect freezer-friendly meal for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or just feeding the family, this satisfying dish is guaranteed to win hearts with its bold flavors and cheesy, gooey finish. Customize it with your favorite toppings like avocado, sour cream, or hot sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Full Recipe:

5–6 large tortillas (flour or corn)
2 cups shredded Pork Carnitas (or cooked shredded chicken/beef)
1 can (400g / 15oz) corn kernels, drained
1 can (400g / 15oz) black beans or red kidney beans, drained
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2¼ cups enchilada sauce (preferably homemade)
1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or any melting cheese)
Fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Pork Carnitas, corn, beans, red bell pepper, and 1½ cups of enchilada sauce. Mix well.
Spread 1 tablespoon of enchilada sauce on the base of a 9×13” baking dish.
Cut the tortillas in half. Place 2 halves cut-side out along the edges of the dish. Use smaller tortilla wedges to fill in any gaps.
Spread half the pork mixture over the tortilla base.
Add another layer of tortillas and spread the remaining filling on top.
Top with a final layer of tortillas, then pour the remaining ¾ cup of enchilada sauce over the top.
Sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 524 kcal | Servings: 4–6 servings

What Is Mexican Enchilada Lasagna?

Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is a creative fusion dish that blends the bold, spicy flavors of Mexican cuisine with the comforting, layered nature of Italian lasagna. Instead of using traditional lasagna noodles, this dish features layers of tortillas filled with savory meats, vegetables, beans, and cheese—all generously coated with rich enchilada sauce. The end result is a casserole-style bake that’s both hearty and satisfying, making it an ideal meal for families, gatherings, or meal prepping.

This dish is also known by names like tortilla lasagna, enchilada casserole, or layered enchilada bake. No matter what you call it, it brings a warming, flavorful experience to the table, full of textures, spices, and cheesy comfort.

A Comfort Food Classic with a Mexican Twist

At its core, the Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is all about comfort. It’s a dish that warms your soul while tantalizing your taste buds with layers of flavor. The traditional enchilada flavors—smoky, slightly spicy, and often tangy from the enchilada sauce—are built into a structure more familiar to Italian cuisine lovers. The tortillas serve as a starchy base, acting like lasagna noodles to hold all the fillings together.

This recipe is often made with leftover Pork Carnitas—a Mexican-style pulled pork that’s slow-cooked until tender and full of flavor. However, it’s highly versatile and can be made with shredded chicken, ground beef, or a vegetarian blend of beans and veggies. Because it’s easy to customize, it’s become a favorite for those who enjoy mixing traditional elements with fresh ideas.

Freezer-Friendly and Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the standout features of Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is its freezer-friendliness. You can easily make a large batch of this dish, freeze portions either before or after baking, and reheat them when needed. This makes it perfect for meal preppers, busy families, or anyone looking to save time without sacrificing flavor.

Freezing before baking typically yields the best texture upon reheating, as the tortillas and cheese retain more of their integrity. Simply prepare the lasagna in a disposable or freezer-safe baking dish, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed. Alternatively, if you’ve already baked it, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven with excellent results.

Customizable for Any Diet

Whether you’re cooking for meat-lovers, vegetarians, or those with dietary restrictions, Mexican Enchilada Lasagna can easily be adjusted to suit various needs.

For vegetarians, simply omit the meat and increase the beans, corn, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Black beans, pinto beans, and even lentils work wonderfully here.
For dairy-free versions, use plant-based cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether and focus on enriching the flavor with guacamole or avocado crema.
For gluten-free diets, choose certified gluten-free corn tortillas and double-check your enchilada sauce or seasoning blends to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
For a low-carb variation, swap the tortillas with thin slices of grilled zucchini or use low-carb tortillas, though this does change the texture somewhat.

These substitutions allow you to make this recipe again and again, catering it to the needs of your household or guests without losing that core enchilada-lovers appeal.

Why Homemade Enchilada Sauce Matters

A standout version of this dish often hinges on the enchilada sauce. While store-bought options are convenient, they don’t always deliver the same depth and warmth that a homemade sauce brings. Making your own sauce allows you to control the salt, spice level, and richness, and it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare.

A homemade enchilada sauce typically involves pantry staples like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, tomato paste, broth, and a touch of flour to thicken. It adds a layer of authenticity and really elevates the final flavor of the dish. Plus, it can be made in bulk and frozen for later use.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is a filling dish on its own, but you can round it out with several sides to create a complete meal. Popular accompaniments include:

Mexican Rice or Cilantro-Lime Rice – These rice dishes complement the flavor and add a fluffy texture contrast.
Guacamole and Chips – The creaminess of guacamole cools down the spice and brings a fresh element to the plate.
Mexican Street Corn (Elote) – A creamy, cheesy corn on the cob that mirrors the corn notes in the lasagna.
Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad with a lime vinaigrette or southwestern-style salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Sour Cream or Crema – These toppings can be added directly on the lasagna or served on the side for dipping.

Garnishes like chopped cilantro, green onions, sliced jalapeños, or even pickled onions can brighten up the dish and make it visually more appealing.

Tips for the Best Results

Here are a few tried-and-true tips to help you achieve the best outcome when making Mexican Enchilada Lasagna:

Use room-temperature tortillas so they don’t tear while layering.
Drain canned beans and corn well to avoid excess moisture that can make the lasagna soggy.
Shred your own cheese if possible; pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve.
Layer generously to ensure every bite is full of texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to press the layers down a bit as you go.

Great for Entertaining and Leftovers

Because it feeds a crowd, Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is perfect for entertaining. Serve it during family get-togethers, game nights, or festive dinners. Its presentation is rustic and welcoming, especially when garnished with colorful herbs or drizzled with crema.

Leftovers reheat beautifully and often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, this dish is a wonderful way to stretch a single cooking session into multiple meals.

How This Dish Reflects Culinary Creativity

Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is a prime example of culinary innovation and cultural fusion. It’s not a traditional Mexican recipe nor a pure Italian dish—it’s a hybrid that takes the best of both. This kind of fusion cooking represents a broader trend in the culinary world where borders blur and home cooks experiment with bold combinations to create something new, exciting, and deeply comforting.

By using pantry staples and leftovers creatively, you can make a showstopping dinner without fancy techniques or rare ingredients. This dish speaks to how everyday ingredients—beans, tortillas, cheese—can be elevated into something extraordinary.

Conclusion

Mexican Enchilada Lasagna is more than just a weeknight meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, comfort, and culinary adaptability. It brings together the soul-satisfying richness of enchiladas with the structure and appeal of lasagna, creating a family-friendly, freezer-ready dish that suits nearly any occasion.

With its ability to be customized, prepped in advance, and served in generous portions, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite in kitchens around the world. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a creative way to repurpose leftovers, this lasagna-style enchilada bake delivers hearty, delicious results every time.