This is such a fun and unique casserole! Like a Mexican fiesta with so many exciting flavors, this lasagna is not your traditional Italian-style rich, cheese-filled noodle lasagna. Mexican lasagna is hearty and filling but not at all heavy or greasy. Topped with your favorite taco toppings, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
About This Lasagna
Glance at the ingredient list below and you’ll see why we call it “healthy.” It’s comprised of good-for-you greens, peppers, onions, protein-rich lean chicken, gluten-free corn tortillas, and a fresh salsa. This is a feel-good tasty dinner. Corn tortillas soften and provide structure, taking the place of traditional noodles. The lasagna has just enough melty cheese to add lots of flavor and to pull the layers together. Like most lasagnas, this recipe will take a bit of time to pull together but the effort is worth it. The lasagna needs about forty minutes in the oven but that’s all hands-off time.
How To Make This Lasagna
Begin by sautéing the chard until it begins to soften. Put the chopped stems in first, along with the onions and peppers, since they take a little more time to soften. Add the leaves, and stir and fry for an additional couple of minutes, until they are wilted. Add the chicken and seasoning, and you’re ready to assemble the lasagna. Basically, you’ll be building the lasagna in three layers, just like traditional lasagna with noodles, but instead of noodles, you’ll be using corn tortillas. The process is described completely in the recipe card: sauce (salsa), tortillas, vegetables/chicken, cheese, and repeat. Pop the pan in the oven and get ready for a delicious dinner! And don’t forge the toppings! All the traditional toppings for tacos work well for this lasagna. Make sure you have extra salsa to top it with. Sour cream, guacamole, sliced green onions, chopped onions or tomatoes, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeño peppers, you name it, it all works beautifully together!
Make It Your Own
Make it vegetarian: Simply omit the chicken. You could add additional chard, onions, or peppers to replace it, or add sautéed sliced mushrooms. Adding a can of black or pinto beans, drained and rinsed well, will up the protein. Can’t find Swiss chard? This recipe will work with spinach, collard, kale, mustard, or beet greens. Use cheddar, Mexican blend, or another type of cheese instead of Monterey Jack. Prefer Italian style lasagna with noodles instead of corn tortillas? You might like this easy skillet lasagna!
Storage & Reheating Tips
This southwestern casserole is great the next day, too. Refrigerate leftovers, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave.
Healthy Tex-Mex recipes
Recipes from “south of the border” don’t have to be cheese-laden calorie bombs. Often, they contain very healthy ingredients like corn, black beans, rice, and lots of vegetables. Try:
Instant Pot Pinto Beans (a basic in Mexican cooking) Pico de Gallo : an easy recipe with fresh ingredients Salsa Verde, another foundation for fresh healthy cooking Healthy Taco Meat with a mixture of ground sirloin, ground turkey, and lots of onions and bell peppers Sheet Pan Breakfast Tostadas Crispy Sweet Potato Tacos Sheet Pan Fajitas : Make them with chicken, steak, or shrimp! Southwestern Quinoa Bowl, with chicken
Quick-Start Guide!
