A metasurface reflector for quantum cascade lasing is disclosed. The metasurface reflector uses an array of subcavities disposed on a substrate and spaced with a sub-wavelength period. Each of the subcavities includes a layer of quantum-cascade-laser-active material sandwiched between two metallic layers. The array of subcavities reflect an incident light of a resonant frequency with amplification. When used with an output coupler, a quantum cascade laser beam can be generated.