Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagne is a delicious fusion dish that combines the flavors of a classic lasagne with the vibrant spices of Mexican cuisine. This easy-to-make recipe layers tortillas instead of pasta, with a hearty filling of seasoned meat, beans, and vegetables, all topped with cheese and baked until golden. It’s perfect for family dinners, taking about an hour to prepare and cook, and is sure to become a household favorite with its warm, comforting flavors.
What is Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagne?
Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagne is a twist on the traditional lasagne, where soft tortillas replace pasta sheets and are layered with a spiced meat mixture, beans, vegetables, and cheese. The bold flavors of chili, cumin, and paprika give it a Mexican flair, making it a flavorful dish that’s easy to assemble and bake. It’s great for feeding a crowd and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Other Popular Recipes
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne
For the Filling:
- 500g minced beef (or turkey)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 400g canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 100g sweetcorn (frozen or canned)
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100ml beef or vegetable stock
For the Layers:
- 6-8 soft tortillas (medium size)
- 200g grated cheddar cheese
- 200g grated mozzarella cheese
For Topping (Optional):
- Fresh coriander (chopped)
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeños
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture
- In a large frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the minced beef (or turkey) and cook until browned all over, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Vegetables
- Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and tomato purée. Let the spices cook for a minute to release their flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes, black beans, sweetcorn, and stock. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Mexican Lasagne
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large ovenproof dish, spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom. Lay 2-3 tortillas on top of the meat, overlapping them slightly if needed. Add another layer of the meat mixture, followed by a sprinkle of grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the meat mixture and tortillas, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagne
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The filling should be bubbling, and the top should have a nice crispy layer of cheese.
Step 5: Serve
- Once baked, remove the lasagne from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, or jalapeños.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne
- Use a mix of cheeses: Combining cheddar and mozzarella gives a great flavor and melty texture on top.
- Customize the spice level: Adjust the amount of chili powder to make the lasagne as mild or spicy as you like.
- Don’t skip the simmering step: Letting the meat mixture simmer allows the flavors to develop and the sauce to thicken properly.
- Use soft tortillas: Corn or flour tortillas both work well, but make sure they’re soft for easy layering.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
How Do I Store and Reheat Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne?
- Leftover Mexican lasagne can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warmed through. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
FAQs
Can I make Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne ahead of time. Assemble the lasagne in the dish, cover it with cling film or foil, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I freeze Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne?
Yes, Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne can be frozen. After assembling, wrap the dish tightly in cling film and foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as per the instructions.
What can I serve with Mexican lasagne?
Mexican Lasagne pairs well with simple sides like a fresh green salad, Mexican-style rice, or guacamole. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or serve with sliced avocado for added flavor and texture.
Can I use a different type of meat for Mexican lasagne?
Absolutely! You can use minced chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just follow the same steps for cooking the meat mixture.
Final Words
With this Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne Recipe, you can create a delicious and comforting meal that brings together the best of both Mexican and Italian cuisines. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to become a new favorite!
More By British Baking Recipes
Print
Mary Berry Mexican Lasagne
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagne is a twist on the traditional lasagne, where soft tortillas replace pasta sheets and are layered with a spiced meat mixture, beans, vegetables, and cheese. The bold flavors of chili, cumin, and paprika give it a Mexican flair, making it a flavorful dish that’s easy to assemble and bake. It’s great for feeding a crowd and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 500g minced beef (or turkey)
- 1 large onion (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 400g canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 100g sweetcorn (frozen or canned)
- 2 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100ml beef or vegetable stock
For the Layers:
- 6–8 soft tortillas (medium size)
- 200g grated cheddar cheese
- 200g grated mozzarella cheese
For Topping (Optional):
- Fresh coriander (chopped)
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeños
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Mixture
In a large frying pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Next, add the minced beef (or turkey) and cook until browned all over, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Vegetables
Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and tomato purée. Let the spices cook for a minute to release their flavor. Then add the diced tomatoes, black beans, sweetcorn, and stock. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the mixture for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Mexican Lasagne
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large ovenproof dish, spread a thin layer of the meat mixture on the bottom. Lay 2-3 tortillas on top of the meat, overlapping them slightly if needed. Add another layer of the meat mixture, followed by a sprinkle of grated cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all the meat mixture and tortillas, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
Step 4: Bake the Lasagne
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. The filling should be bubbling, and the top should have a nice crispy layer of cheese.
Step 5: Serve
Once baked, remove the lasagne from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh coriander, and serve with optional toppings like sour cream, sliced avocado, or jalapeños.
