Recipe: Mexican Style Lasagna

This recipe has been a great favorite at potlucks and family get-togethers, and frequently is the first dish to be finished. It is very easy to make and reasonably inexpensive. It can be made ahead and frozen, if desired, or baked and served at once either plain or with optional garnishes. Preparation time is less than 30 minutes, and baking time approximately 40 minutes. Once you've tried this recipe, plan on making it often. It's sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes
1 4-oz can chopped chiles (mild to hot, depending on taste)
1 16-oz pkg large flour or whole grain tortillas
1 16-oz pkg shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese

Optional Garnishes: Sliced black olives, guacamole, sour cream

Assembly:

1. Crumble ground beef in medium skillet, add chopped onion and salt and pepper to taste.

2. Lightly brown ground beef, drain.

3. Add diced tomatoes and chiles to meat mixture, bring to a simmer. Remove from heat.

4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

5. Lightly grease 8 x 13 rectangular pan

6. Layer tortillas in bottom of pan, overlapping as needed to cover bottom. (Hint: Cut a few tortillas into quarters to fill corners.)

7. Spread 1/2 of refried beans on tortillas.

8. Add 1/2 of meat mixture, reserving some liquid.

9. Add 1/3 of shredded cheese.

10. Repeat steps 6 through 9.

11. Add one more layer of tortillas, spread remaining liquid over tortillas, sprinkle remaining cheese over top.

Bake in 375 degree F oven for 40 minutes or until heated through. Remove from oven, let stand 10 minutes. Serve. If desired, garnish with sliced olives, guacamole, and/or sour cream.

Yield: Six large servings, or 8 to 12 small servings.