Prepare yourself for a culinary journey with this tantalizing recipe for Baked Southwest Lasagna, a delightful creation that combines the comforting essence of traditional lasagna with the vibrant flavors of the Southwest. 🌶️🧀🥑
Baked Southwest Lasagna
Description: Indulge in the savory delight of this Baked Southwest Lasagna, a perfect fusion of ground turkey, aromatic spices, and gooey cheese, all layered between soft flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Poultry, Cheese, Meat, Southwestern U.S., Low Cholesterol, Healthy, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 299.1
- Fat Content: 9.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 50.8mg
- Sodium Content: 966.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.6g
- Fiber Content: 3.6g
- Sugar Content: 5.2g
- Protein Content: 22g
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 onion, diced
- 1/2 green pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 6 (8-inch) flour tortillas
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 can (6 oz) black olives, sliced
- 1 cup reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the ground turkey, diced onion, green pepper, and minced garlic for approximately 5 minutes, or until the turkey is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
- Add the tomato sauce, salsa, and ground cumin to the skillet, stirring well to combine all the flavors. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.
- Spoon 1 cup of the prepared sauce onto the bottom of the baking dish, ensuring an even layer to create a delicious base for your lasagna.
- Arrange 2 whole flour tortillas over the sauce, allowing them to slightly overlap if needed. Cut the remaining tortillas into quarters and place them in the corners of the baking dish, filling any gaps.
- Pour half of the remaining sauce over the tortillas, spreading it evenly to cover them completely.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped green onions, sliced black olives, and shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the sauce, adding layers of flavor and texture to your lasagna.
- Repeat the layers by placing the remaining tortillas over the cheese, followed by the rest of the sauce, green onions, and black olives.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tightly sealed to lock in all the delicious flavors.
- Bake the lasagna in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to cook to perfection.
- After 30 minutes, remove the foil from the baking dish, revealing the bubbling goodness beneath.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the top of the lasagna, adding a final layer of gooey, melty deliciousness.
- Return the lasagna to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown, and the lasagna is bubbly and irresistible.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
- Serve this Baked Southwest Lasagna hot and fresh, garnished with additional chopped green onions and sliced black olives if desired, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the Southwest in every bite!
This Baked Southwest Lasagna is sure to become a family favorite, with its hearty layers of flavor and comforting appeal. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner with friends or simply craving a cozy meal at home, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat! 🍽️✨