Taco Lasagna

Simple taco lasagna - easy weeknight mealPrior to this recipe, I had made lasagna from scratch exactly once in my lifetime.

And it did not go well.

So, when I was perusing recipes a few weeks ago, I honestly was turned off at first. Because I had a really bad experience with “no-boil” noodles and have yet to re-attempt lasagna since my last outing in 2009. However, we learn by mistakes and this recipe really seemed like a cool twist on two of my favorite foods genres – Mexican and Italian – so I thought, “what the heck, I’ll give it a go.”

The results are dang tasty and quite simple. The original recipe came from here but, as per usual, mine has some modifications that I really think you will enjoy. I had my dad over for supper to try this (I sort of bribed him to help me with the cows in exchange for supper) and he said with more meat it would be better. Well, duh – what ISN’T better with more meat in a recipe? Duly noted, pops.

Taco Lasagna

2 lbs ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1 box lasagna noodles (I boiled mine)
2-3 cups of Mexican blend shredded cheese
3 cups favorite salsa
2-15 oz containers Ricotta
1/4 c. sour cream
1 large egg
Salt, to taste
Scallions (green onions), for garnish
Jalapenos, for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Brown ground beef, drain fat and then add seasoning – stir well so all meat is flavored
  2. In a 9×13″ backing dish, spoon a layer of salsa on the bottom to cover. Layer lasagna noodles. In a medium bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream and egg – season with salt. Spread ricotta mixture over noodles and top with a layer of ground beef, then Mexican cheese blend. Repeat layers until baking dish is full, making sure to end with shredded cheese.
  3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake until bubbly, about 30 minutes.Simple taco lasagna - easy weeknight meal!
  4. Let cool 10 minutes, then garnish with onions and jalapeno.

Modifications: I used only one pound of beef and it definitely needs at least a 1/2 lb more. The next time I make it, I will use 2 lbs to ensure enough taco-y, meaty goodness. The original recipe also called for layers of salsa – well, I don’t like salsa so I just used layers of cheese, meat, noodles and cheese and it was great for me. My dad just poured salsa over the top and said it was grand. If your family likes salsa, go right ahead!

This is one of those easy recipes that you can prep the night before and then throw in the oven when you get home. I prepped it as soon as I got off work, then threw it in the fridge and went outside to ride horses and feed cows before coming back inside to throw it in the oven.While it baked, I weeded the garden and finished up outside. It is a relatively easy recipe that yields leftovers for the next day!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

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Comments

2 responses to “Taco Lasagna”

  1. josey Avatar

    Yuck, you got to be kidding? What classifies this as Mexican Food? Just because you layered a jar of pace(fake)salsa, Mexican cheese(whatever Mex means) sour cream, taco seasoning(powdered persevitives) & ground beef? If that’s what you think Mexican food is, I feel sorry for you! I’m Mexican & have never had this dish nor have I ever heard of any Mexican making it? I find this offensive to my heritage, culture & my identity! Do you honestly think that you are honoring the country of Mexico? I’ll bet you don’t even know what “Cinco De Mayo” is or why it’s even celebrated? First, Mexico doesn’t have any type of celebration on or for the date! Secondly, only here in the US does anyone care about that day & it’s bars that have comercialized it to sell alcoholic beverages! Just another reason for gringos to act like idiots, get stupid drunk & dishonor the people & country they demonize every other day of the week! And you made it official by concocting a gut bomb & calling it Mexican Food, for a fake holiday made-up for the GABACHOS! BTW, we call it “chili” not salsa!

    1. bbuzzard13@gmail.com Avatar
      bbuzzard13@gmail.com

      Josey,

      I never claimed for this to be an authentic Mexican recipe. I clearly say that it’s a twist on lasagna with Mexican food ingredients. As for Cinco de Mayo, you’re right, many Americans don’t know what it stands for but many Americans also don’t know much about St. Patrick’s Day or even why we celebrate the 4th of July. I am sorry you find this recipe so offensive, and I’m definitely open to learning about more authentic Mexican recipes.

      Thanks for reading and commenting.