Single girl dinners
Single girl dinners is a easy Mexican-American recipe that serves 2. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by After The Weight on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $18.28 total, $9.14 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken Breast (cooked and shredded; can use rotisserie chicken for speed)
- 1 can (15 oz) Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups Red Enchilada Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
- 6 pieces Corn Tortillas (6‑inch size, warmed briefly to make them pliable)
- 1.5 cups Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack or a pre‑shredded blend)
- 0.5 cup Avocado Sour Cream (blend ripe avocado with dairy‑free sour cream or Greek yogurt)
- 1 piece Jalapeño Pepper (finely diced; optional for extra heat)
- 0.5 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the filling.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl combine shredded chicken, drained black beans, half of the enchilada sauce, diced jalapeño, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT5M
First Layer
Lay 2‑3 warmed corn tortillas in the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the chicken‑bean mixture over the tortillas, then sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded cheese on top.
Time: PT5M
Second Layer
Add the remaining tortillas, then the rest of the chicken‑bean mixture. Drizzle the remaining enchilada sauce evenly, and top with the remaining cheese.
Time: PT5M
Bake Covered
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 375°F
Finish Baking Uncovered
Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Let the lasagna rest for 5 minutes, then dollop avocado sour cream on each serving and enjoy.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free (when using corn tortillas), Can be made dairy‑free with dairy‑free cheese and sour cream
Allergens: Dairy, Corn
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shredded Chicken Breast: ground turkey, ground chicken, rotisserie chicken
- Instead of Black Beans: pinto beans, kidney beans
- Instead of Red Enchilada Sauce: mild enchilada sauce, tomato salsa
- Instead of Corn Tortillas: flour tortillas, low‑carb tortillas
- Instead of Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Avocado Sour Cream: regular sour cream, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Jalapeño Pepper: serrano pepper, green chili
Equipment Needed
- 9x13‑inch Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Oven
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheating the oven to the correct temperature.
- Mixing the filling evenly so each bite has protein and beans.
- Layering tortillas without tearing – warm them first.
- Covering the dish for the first part of baking to keep it moist.
- Removing the foil for the final browning of the cheese.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a rotisserie chicken for the fastest shredding and extra flavor.
- Add a handful of fresh cilantro just before serving for brightness.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle sliced black olives or crushed tortilla chips on top during the last 5 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Tortillas become soggy and fall apart.
Warm the tortillas first and do not over‑sauce the layers. Pat the beans dry with a paper towel before mixing.
Cheese does not melt or brown.
Remove the foil for the last 5‑7 minutes and increase oven temperature to 400°F if needed.
Dish is dry after baking.
Add a little extra enchilada sauce or a splash of chicken broth before covering with foil.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the lasagna up to the point of covering with foil, then refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- The avocado sour cream can be made a day ahead and kept chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Mexican Lasagna in Mexican‑American cuisine?
Mexican Lasagna is a modern fusion that adapts the Italian layered casserole concept to Mexican flavors, using tortillas instead of pasta sheets. It became popular in the United States as a convenient, high‑protein family meal that showcases staple Mexican ingredients like enchilada sauce, black beans and cheese.
What are the traditional regional variations of Mexican Lasagna in the United States?
In the Southwest, cooks often add roasted green chilies and use corn masa tortillas, while in Texas‑style versions you’ll find ground beef or turkey and a spicier chipotle sauce. Some California adaptations swap cheese for avocado‑lime crema to keep the dish lighter.
How is Mexican Lasagna traditionally served in Mexican‑American households?
It is usually served hot from the oven, sliced into squares, and topped with a dollop of sour cream or avocado crema. A side of fresh pico de gallo, lime wedges, and a simple green salad are common accompaniments.
What occasions or celebrations is Mexican Lasagna traditionally associated with in Mexican‑American culture?
Mexican Lasagna is a go‑to dish for casual family gatherings, game‑day parties, and potlucks because it can be made ahead and feeds a crowd. It’s also popular for busy weeknight meals when you need a quick, nutritious dinner.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Mexican Lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include corn tortillas, red enchilada sauce, black beans, shredded Mexican‑blend cheese, and shredded chicken or beef. Acceptable substitutes are flour tortillas, mild salsa instead of enchilada sauce, and any shredded poultry or lean ground meat.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Mexican Lasagna?
Serve it alongside Mexican street‑style corn (elote), a fresh cucumber‑lime salad, or a bowl of black‑bean soup. A side of guacamole and tortilla chips also complements the flavors nicely.
What makes Mexican Lasagna special or unique in Mexican cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the layered structure that mimics lasagna while using staple Mexican components. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy sauce, and protein‑rich beans creates a balanced, hearty dish that feels both familiar and novel.
How has Mexican Lasagna evolved over time in Mexican‑American cooking?
Originally a home‑cooked shortcut for busy families, the recipe has evolved to include health‑focused tweaks like low‑carb tortillas, dairy‑free cheese, and added vegetables. Food bloggers and YouTube chefs, such as After The Weight, have popularized streamlined versions that emphasize protein and fiber.
What are common misconceptions about Mexican Lasagna?
Many think it must be heavy and greasy, but using lean shredded chicken, black beans and a moderate amount of cheese keeps it nutritious. Another myth is that it requires a lot of time; the recipe can be assembled in under 20 minutes and baked in 35 minutes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Lasagna?
Avoid over‑saucing, which makes the tortillas soggy, and don’t skip the foil‑cover step, which can dry out the interior. Also, be sure to let the dish rest before cutting so the layers hold together.
Can I make Mexican Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the lasagna, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked dish; bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the cooking time.
What does the YouTube channel After The Weight specialize in?
The YouTube channel After The Weight focuses on high‑protein, balanced meals that fit active lifestyles and weight‑management goals. It emphasizes quick, affordable recipes that are nutrient‑dense and often includes fitness‑related tips.
How does the YouTube channel After The Weight's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?
After The Weight prioritizes macro‑friendly ingredient choices, such as shredded chicken and black beans, and often swaps traditional high‑calorie components for lighter alternatives like avocado sour cream. The channel also stresses meal‑prep efficiency, delivering recipes that can be assembled in under 20 minutes.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
