Recipe: Taco Lasagna

Taco Lasagna is a favorite menu request in our household.  It is one that my husband requests at least once a month and it is super easy to make.  Our friend, Terry,  from church was kind enough to share the recipe with us.  If you like taco’s this is a great recipe to check out.  It uses flour tortillas instead of pasta to separate the layers.  Brina helped me put this one together, she even sliced the olives all by herself, did one complete layer and added cheese.  Glad that she enjoys helping Mommy in the kitchen!  Thanks for sharing the recipe Terry!

Taco Lasagna:

• 1 pound ground Beef or Turkey
• 1/2 cup chopped Green Pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped Onions
• 2/3 cup Water
• 1 package of Taco Seasoning
• 1 (15 oz) can Black Beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz ) can Mexican Tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (16 oz) can Refried Beans
• 6 (8 inch) Flour Tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Mexican Cheese

In a large skillet, cook the meat, green pepper, and onion over medium heat until done.  Add water and taco seasoning; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 2 minutes.  Stir in black beans and tomatoes.  Simmer uncovered 10 minutes.  Place 2 flour tortillas in a greased 13 x 9 pan.  Spread half of the refried beans then half of the beef mixture.  Sprinkle with 1 cup Mexican cheese.  Repeat layers.  Top with remaining tortillas and cheese (I try to add a little extra cheese if I have it and sliced olives if we have them in the pantry or fridge).  Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and the cheese is melted.  I usually take the foil off the last few minutes to let the cheese on top get a little crispy since our family likes it that way.