Mexican-Style Lasagna

March 8, 2026

author: jaida thompson

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Introduction

This special twist on lasagna may take some time when it comes to prep, however rest assured, it's worth it and it'll have you with leftovers for daysss. I came up with the idea to experiment with adding things into a lasagna that you typically don't see after craving one of my favorite frozen dinners growing up. Stouffers Mexican-Style Lasagna. One day, they took it off the shelves some years ago, and I have not been able to find it since. I remember it being spicy in all of the best ways with those delicious soft lasagna noodles.

 

I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, and after almost a decade, I thought it was about time that I tried my hand at making one. The filling is so delicious you could eat it as a stew or chili! I hope you love it as much as I do. 🥰

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Let's Get Started!

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| Ingredients |

veggies

4 jalapenos (or more for desired spice)

1 poblano pepper (or more for desired spice)

1 yellow onion

1 red, green and yellow bell pepper (3 total)

5-7 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (or about 1 Tablespoon of jar-lic)

1 roma tomato

15.25 oz. corn, drained (or 3 fresh cobs)

15 oz. black beans, drained (or 3/4 cup fresh beans)

2 oz. green chilis (or more for taste)

2 limes, juiced

4.25 oz. canned chopped olives (or 5-10 fresh olives)

sauces

20 oz. red enchilada sauce

6 oz. tomato pasted

16 oz. tomato sauce

14.5 oz. diced tomatoes, drained (or 6 roma tomatoes)

meat & noodles

2-2.5 lbs ground beef (prefferably <15% fat)

1 package of lasagna noodles, cooked al dente (about 12 long pieces)

seasonings (add more if needed)

1 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon paprika

3/4 teaspoon chili powder

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt

2 bay leaves, remove before layering

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

cheese

8oz. block sharp cheddar (shredded)

8 oz. mozzerrella (shredded)

8 oz. block colby jack (shredded)
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| Notes |

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If you're anything like me, you'll accidentally overfill the pan and it'll make a huge mess in the oven. Make sure you leave room for it to expand and juices to flow!

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I recommend ground beef that has a low fat content so that it does not result in extra juices like the result picture. 😬

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Make sure to do a taste test before layering your lasagna so that it turns out as desired in terms of spice level.

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Adding meat sauce to the bottom of the casserole dish helps the lasagna noodles not stick. If you don't want to do this, try spreading a thin coating of oil, butter or non-stick spray instead.

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Make sure your lasagan noodles are slightly layered on top of each other (on the longest side) to ensure no meat suace slips out during cooking or serving.

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For the best quality, taste and texture, buy a fresh block of cheese and shred it yourself, as this melts smoothest. If you're short for time, bagged cheese is okay, it just might be more grainy or thick.

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You can store this in the fridge up to 7 days, either in the dish you baked it in, or transfer it into another container. Just make sure the lasagna/dish is fully cooled before storing. Honestly though, this meal never makes it 7 days as leftovers lol.

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Orange Chicken

Blog Release: March 13, 2026

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Blog Release: March 20, 2026
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| Instructions |
 

1 

Preheat the oven to 380 degrees Fahreneit and ensure the rack is centered.

1 

In a large pot, follow the directions on the lasagna box and cook the noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2

In a large frying pan, heat up a thin layer of your choice of oil. Add a bit of butter for flavor, if desired.

3

On a clean surface, chop 4 jalapenos (leave 1 for toppings), 1 poblano pepper, 1 yellow onion, 1 red pepper, 5-7 garlic cloves, 1 red, green and orange pepper into small pieces.

4

Once the frying pan is hot, sauté the veggies until tender, about 5-10 minutes

5

Add the beef and cook until fully cooked. Use a wooden spatula to chop the meat into small pieces.

6

Add green chilis, corn and beans, and cook for 3 minutes, or until heated.

7

Add all the seasonings (except the bay leaves), enchilada sauce, tomato sauce, tomato paste, roma tomatoes, lime juice, and bay leaves. Turn the heat on low/warm and let simmer.

8

Remove the 2 bay leaves from the meat sauce. In a large casserole dish, add a thin layer of the meat sauce, then 4 lasagna noodles on top, slightly layered.

9

On top, add a thicker layer of meat sauce, some cheese, and 4 more lasagna noodles.

10

Add another thick layer of meat sauce, more cheese and the last 4 lasagna noodles.

11

Lastly, Step 8 add a thin layer of meat sauce. Top with a generous layer of cheese.

12

Cover with tinfoil, and cook for 30 minutes. Uncover, add the last chopped jalapeno and chopped olives and cook for 15 minutes.

13

Let cool for at least 10 minutes to let the juices settle and thicken. Leftover meat sauce can be used as chili! Serve and enjoy 🥰
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I would love to see your recreations if you decide to make this delicious dessert treat! Don't hesitate to stray off track and make it your own!

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Stay tuned each week for a new blog post! Monthly, you can expect new recipes and pattern/product releases.

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custom product

Cozy & Demure

available -  February 28th, 2026

This is a cardigan I have been working on for far too long. It sat finished, fully sewn and attached on a dining table chair for months before I finally decided to weave in the ends. Years ago I bought a crochet book full of beautiful cardigan patterns and I had to have it, yet I never made a project out it. So here it is, Mountain Peaks by Janina Myska.

 

This cozy cardigan will be customizable in terms of color palette, size, and pockets are optional; you'll be able to make it uniquely yours!

Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks
Mountain Peaks

Mountain Peaks

$70.00

The Mountain Peaks cardigan hugs you like loved one would and fits in all the best places. The soft acrylic yarn gives a gentle feel to the touch while still keeping you warm. Optionally, add large pockets to throw all of leave the house go-tos; it’ll even fit your phone!

 

Time to Make

  • 20 hours (note that these hours are not continuous, breaks incur)

Processing & Shipping Time

  • 2-4 weeks processing time
  • shipping time varies on the customers sizing choice

Dimensions

  • Please see size chart and indicate your size in the notes section

Includes

  • 100% acrylic yarn

Care Instructions

Machine wash cold. Tumble dry low. Do not apply direct heat to the yarn, melting may occur.

 

Designed & Released

NEW, made to order. Designed by Knits ‘n Knots and stitched by Jaida Thompson. Released: February 25, 2026.
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