Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe

If you are looking for a hearty and vibrant way to start your day, this Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe brings all the flavors and textures you could want in one satisfying dish. Layers of tender tortillas, savory sausage, fluffy eggs, and melty cheeses are unified by bold spices and a touch of enchilada sauce to create a breakfast that feels like a fiesta on your plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings, this casserole delivers comfort and excitement with every bite, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential for nailing the perfect balance of flavors and texture in your Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe. Each component adds its own unique character, from the seasoning that brings warmth to the dish to the cheese that creates that luscious, gooey finish.

• 1 pound breakfast sausage: Choose your favorite sausage to add heartiness and spice, or swap for chorizo for extra kick.
• 8 large eggs: These provide the fluffy, custardy base that holds everything together beautifully.
• 1 cup milk: Helps create the creamy egg mixture that soaks into the layers for a tender bite.
• 1 cup red enchilada sauce: Adds a vibrant color and authentic Mexican flavor that ties the casserole together.
• 6 small flour or corn tortillas: Flour tortillas for softness, corn tortillas for traditional flair—either way works wonderfully.
• 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: A melty mixture of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and other cheeses for richness.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: Boosts sharpness and makes the casserole extra cheesy on top.
• 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles, drained: Infuses a subtle smoky heat that brightens the savory sausage and egg layers.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish without overpowering them.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just enough aromatic heat for balance.
• ½ teaspoon cumin: Warms the flavor profile with a nutty earthiness common in Mexican cuisine.
• ½ teaspoon chili powder: Provides a gentle background spice that complements the sausage and chiles.
• 1 tablespoon butter or cooking spray (for greasing the dish): Ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and browns evenly.

How to Make Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray. This step is key because it helps prevent any sticking while promoting a golden crust on your casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet set over medium heat, brown the breakfast sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks until there’s no pink left. Drain any excess grease to keep your casserole from becoming too oily while letting all the meat’s flavors shine through in the layers.

Step 3: Mix the Egg Base

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, cumin, and chili powder. This mixture is the rich, fluffy batter that will soak into the tortillas and bind the entire casserole, infusing each bite with those signature Mexican spices.

Step 4: Begin Layering the Casserole

Spoon a thin layer of enchilada sauce onto the bottom of your prepared baking dish — this acts like a flavorful glue for your first tortilla layer. Lay tortillas over the sauce, tearing pieces as needed to cover evenly. This is where the lasagna part really starts to come together in an unexpected breakfast form.

Step 5: Add the Filling Layers

Over the tortillas, spread half of the cooked sausage, then sprinkle half of the green chiles, followed by half of the shredded cheeses. The alternating layers create the casserole’s signature texture, balancing meatiness with gooey cheese and a little heat from the chiles.

Step 6: Repeat Layers and Add Egg Mixture

Repeat your layering with the remaining tortillas, sausage, chiles, and cheese. Once stacked, pour the egg mixture evenly across the top, letting it seep into all the little nooks and crannies. Finally, drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce to finish off the layering of flavors and colors.

Step 7: Bake Until Set and Golden

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 to 45 minutes. You want the center to be firm and no longer jiggle when you gently shake the dish. The top should develop a lovely, light golden color signaling it’s time to come out.

Step 8: Let It Rest Before Serving

Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period helps everything set further, making slicing easy and ensuring every serving holds together with those beautiful layers intact.

How to Serve Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes not only add extra color but also brighten up the rich layers of your casserole. Consider topping your slices with chopped cilantro, a dollop of creamy sour cream, diced avocado, or a sprinkle of fresh green onions. These additions elevate the flavors and provide a lovely textural contrast that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Side Dishes

This casserole is fantastic on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside fresh fruit, a light mixed green salad, or warm refried beans. These sides offer refreshing balance and additional nutrients that complement the hearty main dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch gatherings or special occasions, cut the casserole into individual portions and serve on colorful plates with small ramekins of salsa or hot sauce on the side. You can even prepare mini casseroles in muffin tins for easy grab-and-go servings that look as festive as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap any leftover Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick breakfasts or lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling it in a freezer-safe dish and wrapping it well with foil and plastic wrap. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. The freezing process will preserve all those fantastic flavors and texture wonderfully.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a couple of minutes until warmed throughout, or place the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven, covered with foil, to maintain moisture while heating. A quick broil at the end can restore that golden top layer if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage in this casserole?

Absolutely! While breakfast sausage is traditional and mild, you can use chorizo for a spicier kick, turkey sausage for a leaner option, or even a plant-based sausage substitute to make it vegetarian-friendly. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to keep the flavors balanced.

Is it better to use flour or corn tortillas?

Both work well and offer different experiences. Corn tortillas bring a more authentic Mexican flavor and a firmer texture, while flour tortillas offer softness and a slight chewiness. Choose based on your preference or dietary needs, as using corn tortillas can make the dish gluten-free.

Can this casserole be made vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan or dairy-free version, swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles, use a plant-based milk alternative, replace eggs with a tofu scramble or chickpea flour batter, and select dairy-free shredded cheese. The flavors will differ but still deliver a deliciously satisfying meal.

How far in advance can I prepare this casserole?

This Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe can be assembled up to one day in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then bake fresh in the morning. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for busy brunches or holiday mornings.

What can I serve with this casserole to make it a complete meal?

Pair the casserole with a fresh fruit salad and a simple side of black beans or sautéed vegetables for a balanced and colorful breakfast or brunch. Adding some sliced avocado or a green salad helps round out the meal with freshness and extra nutrients.

Final Thoughts

This Mexican Lasagna Breakfast Casserole Recipe is one of those feel-good dishes that turns an ordinary morning into something special. Its layers of bold flavors and comforting textures invite you to savor each bite, whether at a family brunch or a lazy weekend breakfast. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to celebrate the most important meal of the day.

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