Southwestern Style Beef and Bean Lasagna

Ingredients

In this Southwestern adaptation, the traditional Italian ingredients of Lasagne alla Bolognese are replaced with Southwestern American staples. The ground beef is seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to give it a spicy kick. Black beans and sweet corn are added to the layers, providing a hearty and flavorful twist. The cheese blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar adds a creamy and tangy element, complementing the Southwestern flavors. The result is a fusion of cuisines that combines the best of Italian and Southwestern American cooking. We alse have the original recipe for Lasagne alla Bolognese, so you can check it out.

• 9 lasagna noodles 9 lasagna noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml) 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• 1 onion, diced 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef (450g) 1 pound ground beef (450g)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14oz/400g) 1 can diced tomatoes (14oz/400g)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8oz/227g) 1 can tomato sauce (8oz/227g)
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15oz/425g) 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained (15oz/425g)
• 1 cup sweet corn kernels (150g) 1 cup sweet corn kernels (150g)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (200g) 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (200g)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g) 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g)
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 22g (13g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 32g (6g sugars)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. 2.
   Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. 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 translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
5. 5.
   Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Simmer for 10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, combine the black beans and sweet corn.
7. 7.
   Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
8. 8.
   Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, followed by a layer of the meat sauce, bean and corn mixture, and a sprinkle of both cheeses.
9. 9.
   Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
10. 10.
    Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
• Black beans — If using canned black beans, make sure to rinse and drain them well to remove excess sodium.
• Sweet corn — Fresh or frozen corn kernels can be used instead of canned corn for a fresher taste.
• Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese — Feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as pepper jack or Mexican blend, to enhance the Southwestern flavors.
• Lasagna noodles — If you prefer a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles instead.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a diced jalapeño pepper to the meat sauce.
• To save time, you can prepare the meat sauce in advance and refrigerate it until ready to assemble the lasagna.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin.
• Serve the lasagna with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro for added freshness.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Serving advice

Allow the lasagna to cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to allow the layers to set. This will make it easier to cut and serve without the layers collapsing. Serve with a side of mixed greens or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Garnish the lasagna with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to add a pop of color. Serve it on a large platter or individual plates, allowing the layers to be visible. The vibrant colors of the Southwestern ingredients will make the dish visually appealing.