Taco Lasagna

Tried a new recipe this weekend now that the holidays are over and tradional Christmas and New Years cooking is done! The holidays were awesome but its nice to start cooking some new things now as well!!!! :) One of my Christmas gifts was a new cookbook by Food Network's Sandra Lee. It is her complete cookbook on SemiHomemade Cooking. Awesome awesome book! First recipe I conquered of hers was "Taco Lasagna". It was very simple and very delicious! Pretty filling I will admit, so the only thing you need to compliment this meal is a good tasty colorful garden salad! "No bread needed!!!!" :) Hope you enjoy as much as we did! Here's to the first of the year and many new recipes to blog! CHEERS!

Taco Lasagna


1 lb lean ground beef
1 packet low-sodium taco seasoning
1 can diced green chiles
1 cup chopped onion
1 container (16 ounce) ricotta cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon Mexican seasoning
1 can (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes
1 jar (16 ounce) chunky salsa
1 box lasagna noodles, cooked according to package directions
3 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (I used less)


TACO LASAGNA

In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, "I cooked my onions with the beef just out of preference."


Drain fat. Add 3/4 cup water, taco seasoning and green chiles.


Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, eggs, cilantro and Mexican seasoning, "I could not find Mexican seasoning already mixed up so I combined cumin,onion powder,garlic salt and chili powder to equal 1 TBS."


In a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes and salsa.


Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a deep 9x13 baking dish, spread 1/4 of the sauce on bottom of dish. Add a layer of noodles. Top with 1/2 ricotta mixture, 1/2 ground beef, 1 cup shredded cheese, 1/4 sauce and another layer of noodles.







Repeat layers with remaining ingredients. End with a layer of just noodles, sauce and cheese.
Cover with foil and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before slicing.


Garnish with cilantro before serving.