That’s right…a lasagna model with south of the border flavors. Ever tried it? Ground beef or sirloin is the protein source but it shares the job with fiber-rich pinto beans. One pan feeds 8 so freeze extra servings or have them for lunch. Plan ahead and assemble it in the morning or the night before so that the dry lasagna noodles have time to soak up sauce and soften on their own. You could make it also without waiting, but you’ll have to give yourself more cooking time for the noodles to soften. Serve with a fresh green salad or Broccoli or Cabbage Cole Slaw for a delicious meal.
Ingredients:
1 lb(s) ground sirloin
16 oz(s) refried beans -- or hand- mashed pinto beans
3 zucchini(s) -- pureed or shredded; or combine w/ carrots
1 organic taco seasoning packet -- *see home made version below
12 whole grain lasagna noodles
2 cup(s) shredded cheddar cheese
20 oz(s) salsa w/out chunks -- *or substitute
1 cup(s) water
3/4 cup(s) sour cream
2 tbsp cilantro -- chopped fine
Directions
Prep Work: Shred cheese. Shred or puree zucchini and/or carrot.
1. Mix together meat, refried beans, zucchini and taco seasoning packet or home made ingredients. (*See below) Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees only if cooking right away.
2. Cover bottom of 13 X 9 pan with a few tablespoons of salsa and then 4 lasagna noodles. Thinner noodles may take one more.
3. Layer half of the meat mixture, then 3/4 c. cheese. Repeat layers again; noodles, meat mixture and cheese.
4. Combine salsa and water, then pour evenly over pan. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hrs. or overnight. If making right away, cover and place in oven instead.
5. Lasagna that has been refrigerated for 8 hours or overnight will take 40 min. to bake. If making right away with uncooked noodles the time will be 1 1/2 hours.
6. When done, spread sour cream around top and sprinkle remaining cheese. Put back in oven for 5- 10 min., or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle cilantro over top and serve with a green salad.
*One packet of Taco Seasoning Mix: 2 tsp. chili powder, 1 tsp. cumin, 1 tsp. garlic powder*Use leftover spaghetti sauce to replace some of the salsa for a slightly different flavor.