Easy & Delicious Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna Casserole: Your New Weeknight Fiesta Favorite

Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with this incredible vegetarian Mexican lasagna casserole! It’s a delightful culinary mash-up featuring hearty refried beans, nutrient-packed spinach, zesty salsa, and an abundance of gooey, melted cheese, all layered between tender tortillas. This recipe delivers a satisfying meal with vibrant, kicked-up flavors that come together effortlessly, making it ideal for a busy weeknight. Plus, it tastes even better as leftovers, so consider making an extra-large batch!

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Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna Recipe

This vegetarian Mexican lasagna isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and convenience! Imagine your favorite lasagna, but with a vibrant Mexican twist that will instantly transport you south of the border. Instead of traditional pasta, we use soft whole wheat tortillas, creating a comforting yet lighter base for our layers. Chunky salsa and a flavorful southwest corn blend infuse every bite with an authentic taste and satisfying texture from fresh, wholesome veggies.

The magic truly happens with the generous layers of shredded fiesta-style cheese, which melt down into a truly gooey, rich, and utterly delicious binding agent that holds all the layers together. The result is a dish that’s not only incredibly flavorful and fun to eat but also surprisingly easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. (Here’s a little secret: we’ve even snuck in fresh spinach to give it an extra boost of vitamins and minerals – don’t worry, the kids will be too busy enjoying the taste to notice!)

This vegetarian Mexican casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh Chipotle Lime Slaw, a handful of crispy corn chips for crunch, or a creamy sour cream guacamole. For an even heartier and more nutritious complete meal, consider serving it alongside this delicious recipe for vegan black beans. Dinner has never been this exciting and effortless!

As a home cook, I absolutely love recipes that allow for minimal active time in the kitchen. This layered vegetarian Mexican bake is a dream come true because you can do all the quick prep work upfront, pop it into the oven, and then simply forget about it while it transforms into a delicious feast. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for multitasking. While your lasagna bakes, you can tackle chores like laundry or dishes, assist with homework, or, even better, take a well-deserved break! Sit back, put your feet up, and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine. In just 25 to 30 minutes, you’ll have a fantastic, wholesome meal ready to delight the entire family.

If you’re a devoted fan of Mexican-inspired cuisine, be sure to explore more fantastic recipes. Check out this post for a wonderful tostada recipe to add to your repertoire. And if you adore the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn, you definitely need to try this recipe for Mexican street corn cups. For those craving an authentic and traditional experience, don’t miss this recipe for Red Pork Tamales. ¡Delicioso!

🥘 Ingredients Needed for Your Fiesta Lasagna

One of the best aspects of this vegetarian Mexican casserole is its reliance on simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have on hand or can easily find at any grocery store. My personal preference leans towards low-calorie and low-fat options, but this recipe is incredibly forgiving. Feel free to substitute with whatever items you have in your pantry and refrigerator, especially during these busy times. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:

• Whole Wheat Tortillas: These form the “noodles” of our Mexican lasagna. They add a wholesome, hearty texture. You can easily substitute with regular flour tortillas if preferred.
• Fat-Free Refried Beans: A creamy, savory layer that provides substance and authentic Mexican flavor. Regular refried beans work just as well if you’re not concerned about fat content.
• Chunky Salsa: This is your primary sauce, bringing a burst of fresh, tangy, and subtly spicy notes. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot variety.
• Seasoned Southwestern Corn: You’ll typically find this gem in the frozen section. It’s often pre-mixed with red and green peppers and onions, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture that truly elevates the dish.
• Fresh Baby Spinach: A fantastic way to sneak in some extra greens. It wilts down beautifully into the casserole, adding nutrients without an overpowering taste.
• Reduced-Fat Fiesta Blend Shredded Cheese: This blend often includes spices, enhancing the overall Mexican flavor. However, any mild shredded cheese like Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even cheddar will create that irresistible melted goodness.
• Green Onions: Perfect for a fresh, mild oniony garnish and a pop of vibrant color.

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna

Creating this delicious vegetarian Mexican casserole is as easy as layering your favorite ingredients. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9-inch cake pan or pie tin with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place your first whole wheat tortilla snugly at the bottom of the pan. If the tortilla is slightly larger, gently let the edges come up the sides.
2. Generously spread about half of the fat-free refried beans evenly over the tortilla. Then, layer about a third of your chunky salsa on top of the beans.
3. Distribute approximately half of the seasoned Southwestern corn blend uniformly over the salsa layer. This adds fantastic texture and flavor.
4. Take a handful of fresh baby spinach and spread it out across the corn. Top this with about a third of your shredded fiesta blend cheese.
5. Carefully place the second tortilla on top of the cheese layer. If needed, trim the edges of the tortilla slightly to ensure a better fit in the pan. Don’t worry about it being absolutely perfect!
6. Repeat the layering process: spread the remaining refried beans, another third of the salsa, the remaining Southwestern corn, and the rest of the baby spinach. Finish this layer with another third of the shredded cheese.
7. Finally, position the third tortilla in the pan, trimming its edges if necessary. Spoon the remaining salsa over this top tortilla and sprinkle with the last of the shredded cheese. Garnish generously with chopped green onions.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the edges are lightly golden. Serve hot and enjoy!

💭 Top Tips for a Perfect Vegetarian Mexican Casserole

Achieving a consistently delicious vegetarian Mexican lasagna is easy with a few simple tricks. These tips will help you customize your casserole to your exact preferences and ensure a fantastic result every time.

What Sauce is Best?

I always reach for salsa in this recipe because it’s a versatile pantry staple that I keep on hand. It’s also typically fat-free and low in calories, offering a total win-win! The beauty of salsa is its range of flavors – from mild and sweet to fiery hot. Choose a salsa that matches your family’s preferred spice level. If you don’t have salsa available, don’t fret! You can absolutely substitute with a good quality red or green enchilada sauce for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile. Salsa verde (green salsa) would also make a fantastic swap, offering a brighter, tangier note to your casserole.

What Cheese is Best?

My top recommendation is the prepackaged, shredded fiesta blend cheese. It’s usually a mix of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and other mild cheeses, often with a hint of added Mexican spices, which means less work for you – yay! However, almost any shredded cheese will work wonderfully. Consider pepper jack for a spicy kick, sharp cheddar for a more robust flavor, or Monterey Jack for supreme meltiness. For an authentic touch, Queso Fresco, a traditional Mexican farmer’s cheese, is incredibly delicious and melts beautifully, adding a creamy, slightly salty element. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite!

How Spicy Is It?

The spiciness of your vegetarian Mexican casserole largely depends on the salsa you choose. Since this recipe doesn’t include any additional spices like chili powder or jalapeños, a mild salsa will result in a dish that is flavorful but not at all spicy. If you prefer more heat, simply opt for a medium or hot salsa. You can also easily add a pinch of chili powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, or finely diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) to your layers for an extra kick.

One of the “secret ingredients” for an elevated flavor profile in this dish is using Bird’s Eye Seasoned Southwestern corn, found in the freezer section. This blend comes with fantastic additional seasoning, red and green bell peppers, and onion, enhancing the overall taste. If this isn’t available, regular frozen corn will work perfectly fine. To mimic the Southwestern blend, simply add a small amount of finely chopped bell pepper (red or green) and a pinch of chili powder or cumin to your regular corn before layering.

📖 Variations for This Versatile Vegetarian Mexican Recipe

This vegetarian Mexican lasagna is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your family’s tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fantastic ways to customize your casserole:

What Else Can I Add to the Casserole?

If you’re looking to load up on even more vegetables, there are plenty of delicious additions. Sautéed onions and bell peppers (any color!) would make a fantastic and flavorful layer. For a pop of salty goodness and a delightful texture contrast, sprinkle in some sliced black olives. A handful of fresh, minced cilantro sprinkled over the top after baking adds a bright, herbaceous finish and a vibrant green visual appeal. You could also add a layer of roasted sweet potatoes for sweetness and extra nutrients, or some diced zucchini for added moisture and a subtle flavor.

Substitute Ingredients

This recipe is famously forgiving, allowing you to easily adjust amounts or substitute ingredients as you wish. Love refried beans? Feel free to increase the quantity on each layer for an even creamier, heartier casserole. Watching your sodium intake? Opt for low-sodium salsa and refried beans. Instead of whole wheat, use your favorite flour tortillas. You can also swap out the refried beans for whole black beans (drained and rinsed) for a different texture and flavor profile. The possibilities are truly endless, giving you tons of options to make it your own!

Make Your Own Tortillas

For an extra special and truly authentic touch, consider making your own homemade flour tortillas. While it might sound daunting, they are surprisingly easy to make and the fresh, warm taste will elevate your Mexican lasagna to a whole new level of deliciousness!

Adding Meat

While this recipe was specifically crafted as a delightful vegetarian Mexican recipe to help minimize meat consumption, it’s incredibly easy to incorporate meat if you wish. Enhance your casserole with a layer of cubed cooked chicken, seasoned ground beef, or lean ground turkey. Simply brown the meat and add it to one of the layers, ensuring it’s fully cooked before assembly. Experiment based on what your family enjoys most – the core flavors of this dish complement many meat additions beautifully.

Like Lasagna, Only Better! A Lighter Mexican Twist

This vegetarian Mexican lasagna truly lives up to its “fiesta” name! It’s delightfully cheesy, wonderfully filling, and incredibly delicious, yet it manages to avoid feeling heavy. The vibrant salsa and fresh vegetables keep it feeling bright and light, offering a satisfying meal without the post-dinner sluggishness. What the pictures don’t fully capture is the anticipation in my household – my family is always eagerly waiting in the wings, hungrily eyeing the casserole, just waiting for me to declare my photo shoot complete so we can finally dig in! Their patience is always rewarded with this incredible dish.

🥗 More Delicious Recipe Suggestions

If you absolutely adore this vegetarian Mexican recipe and are looking for more innovative and flavorful dishes, you’re in luck! I have several other creative casseroles and Mexican-inspired meals that I think you’ll love:

• My Dorito Casserole is a fun and indulgent take on chilaquiles, featuring irresistible layers of crunchy chips, savory beans, zesty salsa, and tangy olives, all sandwiched between creamy sour cream and melted cheese!
• For the ultimate comfort food with a Mexican twist, my Mexican Mac ‘n Cheese is truly what dreams are made of (at least, my dreams!). It’s rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, a perfect blend of two beloved classics.
• And don’t miss my Enchilada Bake, conveniently made in the crock pot – a true lifesaver for busy days! This recipe is not only delicious but also super freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal planning and prep.

Fiesta Lasagna-Vegetarian Mexican Casserole Recipe

Loved this recipe? That’s awesome! Please take a moment to give it a 5-star ⭐ rating below. And if you whip up this delicious dish, I’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at @DizzyBusyandHungry or use the hashtag #dizzybusyandhungry!

📋 Recipe Card

Fiesta Lasagna-Vegetarian Mexican Casserole

Recipe Author:
Kristin

Layered whole wheat tortilla casserole with refried beans, spinach, salsa, and lots of melted cheese!

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time
10 minutes mins

Cook Time
30 minutes mins

Servings
6

Ingredients

• ▢ 3 10 inch whole wheat tortillas (or your favorite)
• ▢ 16 ounce can fat free refried beans (or regular)
• ▢ 16 ounce jar chunky salsa (your favorite)
• ▢ 10.8 ounce package Bird’s Eye Seasoned Southwestern Corn (found in the frozen section)
• ▢ 4 ounces fresh baby spinach (about 2 large handfuls)
• ▢ 1 ½ cups reduced fat fiesta blend shredded cheese (or any mild shredded cheese)
• ▢ ¼ cup green onion (chopped)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Spray a 9 inch cake pan or pie tin with cooking spray. Place one of the tortillas in the bottom, letting the edges go up the sides if the tortilla is a bit bigger than the pan.
  3 10 inch whole wheat tortillas
• Spread about half of the refried beans on the tortilla, then about a third of the salsa.
  16 ounce can fat free refried beans, 16 ounce jar chunky salsa
• Distribute about half of the corn evenly on top.
  10.8 ounce package Bird’s Eye Seasoned Southwestern Corn
• Spread out a handful of the spinach and top with about a third of the cheese.
  4 ounces fresh baby spinach, 1 ½ cups reduced fat fiesta blend shredded cheese
• Place the second tortilla on top. If the tortilla is larger than the pan, trim the edges so that it fits better (it doesn’t need to be perfect, though).
• Repeat layering with the remaining beans, another third of the salsa, the remaining corn, the remaining spinach, and another third of the cheese.
• Place the third tortilla in the pan and trim edges if needed. Top with remaining salsa and cheese. Sprinkle with green onion.
  ¼ cup green onion
• Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Notes

• This is a very forgiving vegetarian Mexican recipe, so don’t stress too much about measuring exactly. I tend to just eyeball it.
• You can substitute shredded Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mild cheddar if you can’t find the fiesta blend.
• You can substitute regular frozen corn, or use canned Southwestern corn instead. If you use regular corn, you might want to throw in some chopped bell pepper for extra flavor. Or not! It’s totally up to you!
• Once you have all the layers, don’t worry if it seems like it is piled a little high. The spinach really cooks down in the oven, creating a compact and flavorful casserole.
• For some really festive fun and a burst of freshness, serve your Mexican lasagna with lime wedges and avocado slices.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1g |
Calories: 296kcal |
Carbohydrates: 32g |
Protein: 16g |
Fat: 12g |
Saturated Fat: 5g |
Cholesterol: 38mg |
Sodium: 1004mg |
Potassium: 536mg |
Fiber: 6g |
Sugar: 7g |
Vitamin A: 3345IU |
Vitamin C: 13.3mg |
Calcium: 231mg |
Iron: 2.6mg

Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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