Latin American Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne is traditionally made with ingredients like beef, pork, and Italian cheeses, this Latin American adaptation incorporates Latin spices, ingredients, and flavors. The Latin American Lasagne features a combination of seasoned ground beef, black beans, corn, and a blend of Latin American cheeses for a unique twist on the classic dish. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagne noodles 9 lasagne noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500g ground beef 500g ground beef
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 cups tomato sauce 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 cup salsa 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded Latin American cheese blend 1 cup shredded Latin American cheese blend
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 8g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cook the lasagne noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 5.
   Stir in the black beans and corn, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and salsa.
7. 7.
   Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce mixture on the bottom of a baking dish.
8. 8.
   Place 3 lasagne noodles on top of the sauce.
9. 9.
   Spread half of the ground beef mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the tomato sauce mixture.
10. 10.
    Repeat the layers with the remaining noodles, ground beef mixture, and tomato sauce mixture.
11. 11.
    Sprinkle the shredded Latin American cheese blend over the top.
12. 12.
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. 13.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. 14.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
• Latin American cheese blend — If you can't find a pre-made blend, you can mix equal parts of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and queso fresco.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the ground beef mixture.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
• Feel free to add other Latin American ingredients like diced bell peppers or sliced olives for added flavor and texture.
• To make the lasagne ahead of time, assemble the layers and refrigerate until ready to bake. Increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes if baking from cold.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Serve the Latin American Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. This dish pairs well with a side of avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream.

Presentation advice

To make the lasagne visually appealing, cut it into squares and carefully transfer each portion to a plate using a spatula. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro on top for an elegant touch.