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.