Mexican Lasagne

Ingredients

While the original Italian lasagne features pasta sheets, our Mexican adaptation replaces them with corn tortillas. The traditional Italian flavors are transformed into a spicy and vibrant blend with the addition of Mexican spices, enchilada sauce, and toppings like jalapenos and cilantro. This fusion dish brings together the best of both worlds, creating a unique and delicious culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne, so you can check it out.

• 12 corn tortillas 12 corn tortillas
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed 1 can (400g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese 1 cup (100g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) enchilada sauce 1 cup (240ml) enchilada sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Sliced jalapenos (for garnish) Sliced jalapenos (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 25g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (5g sugars)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. 3.
   Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. 5.
   Grease a baking dish and spread a thin layer of enchilada sauce on the bottom.
6. 6.
   Place a layer of corn tortillas on top of the sauce, covering the bottom of the dish.
7. 7.
   Spoon a layer of the beef and bean mixture over the tortillas, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
8. 8.
   Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of tortillas on top.
9. 9.
   Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer of tortillas and sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese.
10. 10.
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
12. 12.
    Garnish with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapenos.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Corn tortillas — If the tortillas are too stiff, you can soften them by heating them in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
• Enchilada sauce — You can use store-bought enchilada sauce or make your own by blending together tomatoes, chili peppers, onions, garlic, and spices.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add some diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the beef and bean mixture.
• Customize your Mexican Lasagne by adding layers of sliced avocado, sour cream, or guacamole.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and omit the jalapenos.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Serve the Mexican Lasagne with a side of Mexican rice and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Enchilada Lasagne hot, straight from the oven. Garnish each serving with fresh cilantro and sliced jalapenos for an extra burst of flavor. Accompany it with a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole to balance the spiciness. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends during festive gatherings or casual weeknight dinners.

Presentation advice

To present the Mexican Lasagne beautifully, cut it into individual portions and transfer them to plates using a spatula. Garnish each plate with a sprig of fresh cilantro and a few slices of jalapenos. The vibrant colors of the dish will make it visually appealing. Serve it alongside a colorful side salad to add freshness and contrast to the plate.