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Mexican Lasagna

Layers of seasoned ground beef, cheese, and tortillas baked to perfection, creating a fusion of Italian and Mexican flavors.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Dish
Cuisine: Fusion, Mexican
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Meat Layer
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend
  • 1 yellow onion medium, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes drained
  • 1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
  • 0.5 cup beef broth
Cheese Layer
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Assembly
  • 12 flour tortillas 8-inch
  • 3 cups Mexican cheese blend shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Toppings
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 2 tomatoes medium, diced
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and diced, optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook ground beef in large skillet over medium-high heat until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Add onion and bell pepper to beef, cook 4-5 minutes until vegetables soften.
  4. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add taco seasoning, tomatoes, green chiles, and broth. Simmer 8-10 minutes until thickened.
  6. Mix ricotta cheese, eggs, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper in separate bowl until smooth.
  7. Combine all three shredded cheeses in another bowl.
  8. Spread thin layer of meat mixture in prepared baking dish.
  9. Layer 4 tortillas, half the meat mixture, half the ricotta mixture, and one-third of cheese.
  10. Repeat layering with 4 tortillas, remaining meat, remaining ricotta, and another third of cheese.
  11. Top with final 4 tortillas and remaining cheese.
  12. Cover with foil and bake 25 minutes. Remove foil, bake 15-20 minutes until golden.
  13. Rest 10-15 minutes before cutting. Garnish with toppings before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, let the lasagna rest overnight in refrigerator before baking. Can substitute ground turkey for beef or add black beans for extra protein. Freezes well for up to 3 months.