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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Bake Covered

    Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 375°F

  6. 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

  7. 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

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Single girl dinners

Recipe by After The Weight

A quick, protein‑packed Mexican‑style lasagna that layers corn tortillas with shredded chicken, black beans, enchilada sauce and cheese. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner for two, it delivers 56 g of protein, 7 g of fiber and only about 350‑400 calories per serving.

EasyMexican-AmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
30m
Prep
35m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.28
Total cost
$9.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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.

Safety Warnings

  • The oven will be hot – use oven mitts when handling the baking dish.
  • Be careful when chopping jalapeño; wash hands thoroughly after handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Mexican Lasagna in Mexican‑American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Mexican Lasagna in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is Mexican Lasagna traditionally served in Mexican‑American households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Mexican Lasagna traditionally associated with in Mexican‑American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Mexican Lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What other Mexican dishes pair well with Mexican Lasagna?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Mexican Lasagna special or unique in Mexican cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How has Mexican Lasagna evolved over time in Mexican‑American cooking?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are common misconceptions about Mexican Lasagna?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mexican Lasagna?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Mexican Lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel After The Weight specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel After The Weight's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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