Recipe: Beefy Mexican Lasagna (using tortillas) and Cruncy Corn Tortilla Sticks

Beefy Mexican Lasagna
Source: Cattlemen's Beef Board
Makes 6 to 8 servings.

1 1/2 pounds ground beef sirloin (95% lean)
9 corn tortillas
2 cans (10 ounces each) mild enchilada sauce
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed, drained
1 1/2 cups frozen corn
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
Crunchy Tortilla Strips (optional) (recipe follows)
1/2 cup chopped tomato
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

Heat oven to 350F. Brown ground beef in large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is not pink, breaking up into crumbles. Pour off drippings. Stir in 1 can enchilada sauce, black beans, corn and cumin; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Spray 11-3/4 x 7-1/2 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange 3 tortillas in dish, cutting 1 as needed to cover bottom. Spread 1/4 cup remaining enchilada sauce over tortillas; cover with 1/3 beef mixture, then 1/3 cheese. Repeat layers twice, omitting final cheese layer. Pour remaining enchilada sauce over top.

Cover with aluminum foil. Bake in 350F oven 30 minutes. Remove foil; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake, uncovered, 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with tortilla strips, if desired, tomato and cilantro.

Lasagne may be made up to 24 hours ahead through Step 2; refrigerate, covered. Increase baking time from 30 to 45 minutes.

Crunchy Tortilla Strips

1 corn tortilla

Heat oven to 400F. Cut 1 corn tortilla in half, then crosswise into 1/4-inch wide strips. Place strips in single layer on baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray.nonstick Bake 4 to 8 minutes or until crisp.