Layered Mexican-Style Veggie Lasagna with a Creamy Béchamel Sauce

Layers of rich marinara, creamy béchamel, and a hearty black bean filling make this Veggie Mexican Lasagna a dish to remember. Each bite delivers a perfect blend of Italian and Mexican flavors, with the bold spices of taco seasoning complementing the smooth and luscious white sauce. The combination of cheese, pasta, and veggies creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ideal for weeknight dinners or a special gathering, this lasagna is a surefire crowd-pleaser. The golden-baked cheese topping, along with fresh herb garnishes, makes for a beautiful presentation. Whether served with a simple salad or on its own, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

Full Recipe:

  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1/2 cup shallots (onions), diced
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup zucchini, diced
  • 1/2 cup yellow squash, diced
  • 1 cup black beans (boiled or canned)
  • 2/3 cup mixed color bell peppers, diced
  • 1/2 cup corn (boiled or frozen)
  • 1 1/2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tsp taco seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 tsp hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 2 tbsp cilantro with tender stems, finely chopped
Béchamel Sauce (White Sauce):
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 3 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup spinach, chopped and tightly squeezed (frozen or blanched)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp shredded cheese (mozzarella & parmesan mix)
Assembly:
  • 8 lasagna sheets, boiled al dente
  • 2 ½ – 3 cups marinara sauce, store-bought
  • 1 cup cheese (mozzarella & gruyère mix)
Garnishes:
  • Green onions, finely chopped
  • Mixed fresh herbs

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Black Bean Filling:
    • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add shallots, garlic, zucchini, and yellow squash. Sauté for 3-4 minutes.
    • Once onions turn translucent, add black beans and lightly mash them.
    • Stir in tomato paste and spices, cooking for a few more minutes.
    • Add bell peppers, corn, hot sauce, water, and cilantro. Cook briefly and set aside.
  2. Make the Béchamel Sauce:
    • In a large saucepan, heat butter and oil until melted.
    • Whisk in flour, stirring until frothy and slightly golden.
    • Gradually whisk in milk to create a smooth sauce.
    • Mix in spinach, spices, and cheese. Once melted, remove from heat.
  3. Assemble the Lasagna:
    • In a baking dish, start with a layer of marinara sauce.
    • Add a layer of lasagna sheets, followed by béchamel sauce, cheese, black bean filling, and more cheese.
    • Repeat the layering process, finishing with cheese on top.
  4. Bake & Serve:
    • Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
    • Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
    • Optionally, broil for a crispy, golden top.
    • Garnish with green onions and fresh herbs. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 342 kcal | Servings: 8

Veggie Mexican Lasagna: A Fusion of Comfort and Flavor

Lasagna is a universally beloved dish, cherished for its comforting layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese. But what if we added a Mexican twist to this Italian classic? Veggie Mexican Lasagna does exactly that—bringing together the robust flavors of Mexico with the layered goodness of lasagna. Packed with a hearty black bean filling, creamy béchamel sauce, vibrant vegetables, and a golden cheese crust, this dish is a true showstopper. Whether you’re a vegetarian looking for a satisfying meal or simply a food lover eager to try something unique, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.

The Inspiration Behind This Dish

Mexican and Italian cuisines are both celebrated for their bold flavors, comforting textures, and rich culinary traditions. This recipe takes the best elements from both worlds and creates a dish that is not only flavorful but also visually appealing. The classic lasagna structure remains intact, but instead of a traditional meat sauce, we use a Mexican-style filling featuring black beans, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, and corn. The spices—taco seasoning, garam masala, and red chili powder—bring warmth and depth, while the white béchamel sauce adds a creamy contrast that ties everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • A Unique Fusion – This dish merges Italian and Mexican flavors, making it a refreshing twist on classic lasagna.
  • Packed with Nutrients – Loaded with fiber-rich beans, vitamin-packed veggies, and a touch of calcium from the cheese, this is a wholesome meal.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Lasagna always tastes better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. You can also freeze it for later!
  • Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or a casual gathering, this dish is bound to impress.
  • Vegetarian-Friendly – A meatless meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

The Key Components of Veggie Mexican Lasagna

1. The Hearty Black Bean Filling

Black beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine, prized for their earthy flavor and high protein content. In this recipe, they replace the traditional ground meat found in Italian lasagna, making the dish both vegetarian and protein-rich. The beans are lightly mashed to create a cohesive texture that blends well with the other ingredients. To enhance the filling, diced zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers add a pop of color and freshness, while corn lends a touch of sweetness. The use of taco seasoning, oregano, and garam masala infuses the filling with layers of spice, creating a rich and bold taste.

2. The Creamy Béchamel Sauce

A traditional béchamel sauce is a hallmark of many Italian baked dishes, and here, it serves as the perfect balance to the bold Mexican flavors. Made from butter, flour, and milk, this velvety white sauce coats each layer with its smooth, creamy consistency. A hint of garlic powder, black pepper, and a generous amount of cheese (a mix of mozzarella and parmesan) make it even more indulgent. For an added nutritional boost, finely chopped spinach is incorporated into the sauce, adding subtle earthy notes while increasing the dish’s vitamin and mineral content.

3. The Pasta Layers

Lasagna sheets provide the foundation for this dish, soaking up the flavors from the sauce and filling. Cooking them to al dente ensures they maintain their structure even after baking. Instead of using traditional ricotta or a heavy cream-based sauce, the combination of béchamel and marinara gives the dish a lighter yet equally satisfying texture.

4. The Cheesy, Golden-Brown Topping

No lasagna is complete without a beautifully melted, golden-brown cheese topping. A mix of mozzarella and gruyère ensures that the top layer is both stretchy and slightly crispy after baking. Broiling the lasagna for a few extra minutes at the end of the baking process results in a perfect caramelized crust, which adds both flavor and texture.

How to Customize This Dish

One of the best things about lasagna is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways you can modify this recipe to suit your taste:

  • Make it Spicier – Add diced jalapeños or an extra dash of red chili flakes for more heat.
  • Go Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna sheets or substitute with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant.
  • Add More Protein – While black beans provide a good protein boost, you can add crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute for an even heartier filling.
  • Make it Vegan – Replace the cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use plant-based milk in the béchamel sauce.
  • Add More Vegetables – Mushrooms, carrots, and spinach can all be great additions to enhance the flavor and texture.

Best Ways to Serve and Store

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few side options:

  • Fresh Green Salad – A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the lasagna.
  • Garlic Bread – A classic pairing that enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Avocado or Guacamole – A creamy, fresh element that complements the spices in the dish.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A dollop on the side adds a cooling effect, especially if you like your lasagna extra spicy.

Storage and Reheating

Lasagna is a fantastic make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Final Thoughts

Veggie Mexican Lasagna is a testament to how beautifully different cuisines can come together to create something truly special. This dish offers all the comfort of classic lasagna while introducing vibrant Mexican flavors that take it to the next level. It’s hearty, cheesy, and bursting with textures that make each bite a delightful experience.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a meal prep staple, or a potluck dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a fusion masterpiece that brings the best of both worlds to your table!

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