Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagna Recipe: A Fusion Favorite
Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagna combines Italian and Mexican cuisines. It uses soft tortillas instead of pasta. This creative layering adds a new twist that’s delicious and filling. It’s perfect for family meals or get-togethers, mixing seasoned minced meat, beans, and veggies. All topped with loads of cheese for a fulfilling dish everyone will love.
This tasty Mexican lasagna can be prepared in about 50 minutes. It has roughly 450 calories per serving. Whether on a hectic weekday or a slow weekend, it’s a comforting meal sure to delight. Get your family and friends together and enjoy Mary Berry’s exceptional recipe!
What is Mexican Lasagna?
Fusion cuisine brings together different culinary traditions. Mexican lasagna is one such exciting dish. It reimagines lasagna with tortillas instead of pasta.
This results in a comfort food with a diverse mix of flavours and textures.
Introduction to the Fusion Dish
Mexican lasagna blends Mexican and Italian cuisines. It invites home cooks to be creative with familiar ingredients. This creates a rich meal that many love.
Traditional Ingredients and Flavours
Ingredients are crucial to any recipe. Mexican lasagna combines many elements, such as:
- Ground beef or turkey
- Refried beans
- Chopped green chilies
- Shredded Mexican or Colby Jack cheese
- Various spices and seasonings
The dish offers a beautiful mix of flavors. Spices like cumin and paprika add depth. It’s a comfort food that’s loved by many.
Ingredients for Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagna
To make the perfect Mexican lasagna, start with the right mix of ingredients. Mary Berry’s recipe blends traditional parts with bold spices. This mix makes sure the dish is a joy to eat.
Essential Ingredients
At the heart of this tasty Mexican lasagna, you’ll need:
- 500g minced beef or turkey
- 1 large chopped onion
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 400g canned black beans
- 400g canned diced tomatoes
- 100g sweetcorn
- Spices: cumin, smoked paprika, chilli powder
- 6-8 medium-sized soft tortillas
- 200g grated cheddar cheese
- 200g grated mozzarella cheese
Using these ingredients makes cooking smooth. It ensures the flavours are just right.
Optional Toppings for Customisation
Mexican lasagna’s charm is how you can tweak it. Add toppings like:
- Fresh coriander
- Sour cream
- Sliced avocado
- Jalapeños
These extra bits boost the taste. They make the lasagna suit your liking, showing how flexible it is.
Substitutions and Variations
Altering Mary Berry’s recipe is easy. You can use different ingredients for Mexican lasagna. Like:
- Using chicken or plant-based alternatives for the minced meat
- Adding veggies such as zucchini or spinach
- Choosing wholegrain or flavoured tortillas
These changes can add a new twist. They keep the dish familiar but fresh, good for any diet.
How to Prepare Mexican Lasagna Mary Berry
Start preparing Mexican lasagna by collecting all ingredients and cleaning your workspace. Begin cooking by heating oil in a large pan. Then, sauté onions and bell peppers until they soften. This brings out their flavours.
Add minced garlic and minced meat to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned, which gives a rich taste. Next, mix in spices, tomato purée, diced tomatoes, beans, sweetcorn, and stock. Let it simmer until it gets thick. This process fills your kitchen with a delicious smell.
To assemble the lasagna, first, lay down tortillas in a dish. Add a layer of the meat mix and then cheese. Keep layering, ending with cheese on top for a melt-in-your-mouth finish.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the lasagna for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for melted, golden brown cheese. Once done, you’ll have a bubbling Mexican lasagna ready to wow anyone.
Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 450 |
Fat | 20g |
Carbohydrates | 40g |
Protein | 25g |
Fibre | 8g |
Sugar | 6g |
Leftover lasagna stays good in the fridge for three days, or freeze it for a month. You can prepare it a day ahead. It’s also easy to change the meat to chicken, turkey, or a veggie option. Mixing cheddar and mozzarella cheeses creates the best top layer.
If you love spice, adjust the chili powder to taste. Adding veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms boosts health benefits. With this guide, making Mary Berry’s Mexican lasagna is fun and simple.
Baking and Serving Suggestions
To bake Mexican lasagna well, pay close attention to cooking time and how hot the oven is. Before you begin, heat the oven to 180°C (350°F). The dish should cook in the oven for about 25-30 minutes.
This is just right for the cheese to melt and mix well with the filling, giving you a tasty, golden topping.
Cooking Time and Temperature
For perfect Mexican lasagna, here’s what to do:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Best Side Dishes to Complement the Meal
Choosing the right side dishes for lasagna can make your meal even better. Here are some ideas:
- Fresh green salad with a zesty dressing.
- Mexican-style rice, seasoned with spices.
- Guacamole for a creamy texture.
- Salsa or a dollop of sour cream to add a refreshing contrast.
These meal pairing suggestions will make your meal more enjoyable. For dessert, why not try Mary Berry’s apple cake loaf? It’s a moist and tasty treat for any event.
Conclusion
Mexican lasagna Mary Berry is a wonderful example of fusion cuisine. It combines ingredients and flavours in a unique way. This makes it perfect for family meals and special occasions. The layers of pasta, cheese, and colourful toppings provide a taste that everyone enjoys.
This dish is also very adaptable, allowing cooks to change it up as needed. It follows the approach of Martin King and Jenny McCarthy in creating meaningful meals. Cooking a Mexican lasagna brings warmth and joy to any gathering.
Adding Mary Berry’s apple cake as a dessert makes the meal even better. These kinds of meals do more than just feed us. They help build lasting bonds around the dinner table.
FAQ
What is Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagna?
Mary Berry’s Mexican Lasagna is a creative blend of Italian and Mexican tastes. It uses soft tortillas instead of traditional pasta. This results in a dish with exciting flavours and textures, ideal for gatherings.
How long does it take to prepare Mexican Lasagna?
It takes about 50 minutes to cook Mexican Lasagna. This makes it perfect for both weeknight meals and social occasions.
What are the key ingredients in this lasagna recipe?
The main ingredients in this recipe are minced beef or turkey, tortillas, and black beans. Also, diced tomatoes, a mix of spices, and cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella. These create a rich and fulfilling dish.
Can I customise the ingredients in Mexican Lasagna?
Yes, you can personalise the dish with toppings such as fresh coriander or sour cream. Feel free to use different meats or more veggies to meet your dietary needs.
What is the best way to bake Mexican Lasagna?
Bake Mexican Lasagna in an oven preheated to 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes. This ensures a golden crust on the cheese and a hot, tasty filling.
What side dishes pair well with Mexican Lasagna?
Pair this dish with a fresh salad, Mexican-style rice, or guacamole. Adding salsa or sour cream complements the rich flavours beautifully.
Can I make vegetarian or vegan adaptations of this recipe?
For a vegetarian or vegan version, use plant-based meat or more veggies. Wholegrain or herb tortillas also make the dish even more enticing.