Mexican Lasagna
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
If you’re looking for a vibrant, eye-catching dish that’s as delicious as it is colorful, this Mexican Lasagna is sure to be a hit! Originating from the recipe files of J. Bennet from Minden, LA, who adapted it from a “Country Home” publication, this version has been given an extra kick of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Don’t be surprised if your family finds it too pretty to cut into at first – it’s that kind of dish! But once you grab that serving spoon, you’ll be delighted by the burst of flavors in every bite. Here’s how to bring this flavorful and festive dish to life in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 10 to 12 flour tortillas
- 2 cups small curd cottage cheese
- 1 cup Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup chopped tomato
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
Instructions:
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Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat thoroughly. Add the ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet. Stir well and heat the mixture through, allowing the flavors to meld together. Set this flavorful beef mixture aside.
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Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13 x 2-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Line the sides and bottom of the dish with the flour tortillas, ensuring they form a complete layer around the dish. Note: Keep the tortillas from sticking up too much over the sides as they can become tough during baking.
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Assemble the Lasagna: Pour the beef mixture evenly over the tortilla layer in the baking dish. Place another layer of tortillas over the beef mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the small curd cottage cheese, shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese, and the egg. Stir until well mixed. Pour this cheese mixture over the top of the layered tortillas.
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Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
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Add Toppings: Remove the lasagna from the oven. Sprinkle rows of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green onions, and black olives diagonally across the center of the casserole. This adds a delightful burst of color and flavor to the dish.
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Serve: Let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and your favorite salsa for an extra touch of deliciousness.
Notes:
- For added flavor, you can include a sprinkle of extra chili powder or fresh cilantro on top before serving.
- This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering. Its vibrant colors and rich flavors make it a crowd-pleaser that looks as great as it tastes.
Enjoy your Mexican Lasagna – a beautiful, tasty creation that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection! 🌮🎉🍴
