Mexican Lasagna
Try this Mexican Lasagna recipe
Try this Mexican Lasagna recipe
- salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 red onion minced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 2 1/2 pounds boneless chicken breast cut into bite size pieces
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
- 15 ounce can black beans rinsed
- 16 ounces your favorite salsa (i use a mild heat because of but feel free to use hot!)
- 32 ounce can tomato sauce
- 8 ounces monterrey jack
- 8 ounces pepper jack
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta
- 6-8 whole wheat tortillas
- fresh cilanto (optional)
- Carbohydrate 12.600159642472 g
- Cholesterol 195.966024240667 mg
- Fat 31.7354868915592 g
- Fiber 1.72847688829827 g
- Protein 70.5957797364641 g
- Saturated Fat 18.3041057234312 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (477g)
- Sodium 623.99435977723 mg
- Sugar 10.8716827541737 g
- Trans Fat 2.19281056945811 g
- Calories 625 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Sprinkle chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook for 7-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Add 1 TB olive oil to the skillet, add the peppers, onion, garlic, corn, and black beans. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Season with cumin, chili powder, and cayenne. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken back in, stir in the salsa and tomato sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for at least 10 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- To assemble lasagna, layer a small amount of the sauce on the bottom of the pan, layer with tortillas, cover with more sauce, followed by dollops of ricotta, and a sprinkling of the cheeses.
- Repeat layering process 3-4 times, ending with the cheese on top. (See photos above for clarification.)
- Pop in the oven and bake for around 30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Like most lasagnas, fresh out of the oven it wont stay in neat squares. When you reheat it the next day it will though!
My Unexpected Culinary Adventure: A Mexican Lasagna Story
Life as a busy working mom is a whirlwind of early mornings, packed lunches, and evening chaos. My days are filled with spreadsheets, client calls, and the never-ending task of keeping three kids fed and happy. Finding time for anything beyond the basics is a luxury, but last week, I discovered a hidden oasis of calm in the most unexpected place: my kitchen. It all started with a craving – a deep, soul-satiating craving for something comforting, yet exciting, something familiar yet entirely new. I’d been following a few food blogs, mostly for inspiration, and one recipe caught my eye: a Mexican Lasagna. I know what you're thinking: a lasagna…Mexican? I was curious, intrigued. It sounded both familiar and refreshingly different, a fusion that promised a delightful adventure.
The recipe itself wasn't particularly complicated, which was a relief. I appreciated the straightforward instructions and the clear ingredient list. I already had most of the ingredients on hand, making it a surprisingly quick and easy weeknight meal. The prep work was simple: dicing vegetables, prepping the chicken, and layering the ingredients – a meditative process that allowed me to unwind after a long day. I love that feeling of transforming raw ingredients into something delicious and nourishing. The aroma that filled my kitchen during the baking process was divine, a tempting blend of spices and melted cheese. It was pure culinary magic; a momentary escape from the usual pressures of life. Even my three little ones stopped their usual chaos and hovered around the oven, their eyes wide with anticipation.
But more than the ease of preparation, it was the taste that truly won me over. This Mexican Lasagna wasn't just a meal; it was an explosion of flavors. The subtle heat from the chili powder and cayenne pepper danced on my tongue, perfectly balanced by the richness of the ricotta and the satisfying sharpness of the cheeses. The tortillas, instead of pasta, added a lovely textural element, and the hearty chicken and black beans made it a truly filling and wholesome dish. I served it alongside a simple green salad, allowing the bright, fresh flavors to complement the warmth of the lasagna.
The best part? This wasn't just a delicious one-off meal. The leftovers were even better the next day! The flavors had melded together beautifully, creating an even more harmonious and satisfying dish. Reheating it was effortless and the flavors were even better the next day, proving that this wasn't just a quick weeknight meal but a dish worthy of being savored twice. I've made it a point to incorporate this new family favorite into our regular meal rotation.
This Mexican Lasagna isn't just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and creative combinations. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, there's always time to find joy in cooking and sharing delicious food with loved ones. It's a dish that speaks of comfort, warmth, and unexpected culinary adventures. And for a working mom like me, that's worth more than gold.
Beyond the immediate satisfaction of a delicious meal, this culinary journey has taught me a valuable lesson: to embrace the unexpected and to find moments of calm and creativity amidst the chaos. Cooking, I've discovered, can be more than just sustenance; it can be a form of self-care, a stress reliever, and a source of joy. It’s a chance to reconnect with myself, to slow down, and to create something beautiful—and delicious—from scratch. And the best part? I can share that joy with my family, creating lasting memories around the dinner table, one flavorful bite at a time.
This Mexican Lasagna experience is more than just a culinary triumph; it's a symbol of adaptability, resourcefulness and the importance of finding joy in simple things. It's a testament to how a single recipe can transform a hectic weeknight into a moment of tranquility and connection. The lingering aroma of spices and melted cheese is not just a reminder of a delicious meal, but a comforting reminder of the joy of creating something wonderful from simple ingredients. I highly recommend trying this recipe – you won't be disappointed. And who knows, you might just discover your own unexpected culinary adventure along the way.
