OMG this was deeeelicious! Halved the recipe and cooked it an 8×8 and turned out AMAZING.

Prep and Sauté (10 minutes):

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
2. Chop and Mince: Finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic cloves to prepare your aromatics.

Cook the Beef (10 minutes):

1. Heat the Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned.
4. Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning and ½ cup of water. Adjust the water amount as needed. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the water to reduce slightly and the seasoning to thoroughly coat the beef.

Assemble the Lasagna (10 minutes):

1. Layer 1: Salsa and Tortillas: Spread a thin layer of salsa on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Top it with four tortillas, overlapping slightly if necessary.
2. Layer 2: Beef, Beans, and Cheese: Spread a third of the cooked beef mixture over the tortillas. Add a third of the black beans, green chiles (if using), salsa, and shredded cheese.

Repeat and Top (5 minutes):

1. Repeat the Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times, creating a total of three layers with tortillas, beef mixture, beans, salsa, and cheese.
2. Cheese and Sour Cream: Finish the lasagna with a final layer of shredded cheese on top. Dollop spoonfuls of sour cream evenly over the cheese.

Bake and Enjoy (25-35 minutes):

1. Covered Bake (25 minutes): Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
2. Uncovered Bake (10-15 minutes): Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
3. Cool and Serve (10 minutes): Let the lasagna cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This cooling period allows the lasagna to set, making it easier to cut into clean portions.

Tips for Success:

• Tortilla Choice: Use 6-inch flour tortillas for the best results, but feel free to experiment with corn tortillas for a different texture and flavor.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: For a spicier dish, use hot salsa and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the beef mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or extra beans and vegetables to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

This Taco Lasagna brings together the best of Italian and Mexican cuisines, creating a unique and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the layers of flavors and textures in every bite!