This Spicy Chorizo Mexican Lasagna puts a bold, flavorful Mexican twist on the classic Italian casserole. It’s comforting, family-friendly, and ready in under an hour.

After developing a popular Mexican-styled stuffed pasta dish, this lasagna evolved as a natural next step: layers of tender lasagna noodles, a smoky chorizo-spiked marinara, and a ricotta filling brightened with cilantro and warming spices. It’s an easy weeknight meal that also works well for guests. The recipe is flexible—use pork chorizo or a vegetarian soy chorizo, choose milder or spicier cheeses, and make small adjustments to suit your family.

Spicy Chorizo Mexican Lasagna

Servings: 6 | Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes

Author: Whitney Bond

Ingredients

1 cup red onion, finely diced (about 1 medium)
4 cloves garlic, minced
20 oz soy chorizo or pork chorizo
24 oz roasted garlic marinara sauce
2 tsp chili powder, divided
2 tsp ground cumin, divided
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
6 lasagna noodles
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
¼ cup cotija cheese, crumbled (or a salty crumbly cheese)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large skillet set over medium heat, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add the chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, for 8–10 minutes until fully cooked through.
Pour the roasted garlic marinara into the skillet with the chorizo. Stir in 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and the red pepper flakes. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles for about 8 minutes or until pliable but still slightly firm (al dente). Drain and lay the noodles out so they don’t stick together.
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with the remaining 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and the chopped cilantro. Mix until evenly seasoned and set aside.
Assemble the lasagna in a 9″ x 13″ baking dish: spread half of the chorizo-marinara sauce in the bottom, then layer three lasagna noodles on top. Spread half of the ricotta-cilantro mixture over the noodles. Add a second layer of the remaining sauce, top with the last three noodles, and spread the remaining ricotta mixture over them.
Sprinkle the shredded pepper jack evenly over the top, then crumble the cotija cheese across the surface.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and beginning to brown and the cheese is melted.
Remove from the oven and allow the lasagna to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving cleaner.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Garnish with extra cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for cooling contrast.
Swap pepper jack for Monterey Jack or a milder cheddar if you prefer less heat.
For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based chorizo and a hearty vegetable marinara or add cooked mushrooms and peppers for texture.
To make ahead: assemble the lasagna, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through. Lasagna also freezes well—wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips for Best Results

Use a good-quality roasted garlic marinara to boost flavor quickly without extra effort.
Don’t overcook the noodles; they’ll finish cooking in the oven as the lasagna bakes.
If your chorizo is particularly greasy, drain excess fat before adding the sauce to keep the lasagna from becoming too oily.
Let the baked lasagna rest before cutting so the slices hold their shape.

Nutrition Snapshot (per serving)

Calories: ~736 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~37 g
Protein: ~38 g
Fat: ~47 g
Sodium: ~1631 mg

This Spicy Chorizo Mexican Lasagna blends comforting layered pasta with bold, smoky Mexican flavors. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or for serving a crowd when you want a make-ahead option that delivers satisfying flavor. Enjoy!