Monday, March 2, 2009

Mexican Lasagna

* 1 pound extra-lean ground beef
* 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
* 2 teaspoons dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 12 dry lasagna noodles
* 1 cup diced tomatoes
* 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
* 3/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1 (2 ounce) can sliced black olives
* 1 cup shredded cheese

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain off excess fat. In a large bowl, combine the cooked beef, oregano, cumim, garlic powder, tomato sauce and tomatoes.
2. Place four of the uncooked lasagna noodles in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread half of the refried beans over the noodles. Spread half of the beef mixture. Sprinkle with half the green onions and cheese. Top with 4 more uncooked noodles and repeat. Cover with remaining noodles and cheese.
3. Cover tightly with foil. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 1 1/2 hours, or until noodles are tender (or boil the noodles before assembling and then bake for 45 minutes.)