South-Of-The-Border Lasagne
South-Of-The-Border Lasagne combines hearty ground beef, savory enchilada flavors, and layers of cheese and tortillas for a satisfying Mexican-inspired twist on traditional lasagne. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it offers a flavorful, comforting dish with a hint of spice and a crunchy topping.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. ground chuck ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (1 lb.) can tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) bottle enchilada sauce ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) can diced olives with liquid ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1/4 c. salad oil ⓘ
- 8 corn tortillas ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 beaten eggs ⓘ
- 3/4 c. Jack cheese, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. shredded Cheddar cheese or more ⓘ
- 1/2 c. finely crushed tortilla chips ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the ground chuck and chopped onion in a large skillet; drain off excess fat.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, enchilada sauce, diced olives with liquid, salt, garlic, and pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños or your favorite chili powder to the beef mixture. If you don't have cottage cheese, ricotta can be a great substitute. Ensure to let the lasagne rest before slicing to help it hold its shape. You can also swap the corn tortillas for flour ones if preferred.
Serving Suggestions
Serve South-Of-The-Border Lasagne with a side of Mexican Fiesta Dip or a fresh Layered Avocado Salad for a light, refreshing contrast. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. This dish pairs beautifully with chips and salsa for an extra crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. For quicker reheating, use the microwave in short increments, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of South-Of-The-Border Lasagne contains roughly 1243 calories, with 31g protein, 153g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagne in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When ready to bake, remove the foil and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack or even a spicy pepper jack can add delicious flavors. You can also use mozzarella for a milder taste. Mixing cheeses can enhance the overall richness of the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarian diets?
This particular recipe is not vegetarian due to the ground chuck. However, you can easily adapt it by substituting the meat with black beans or a meat alternative. This makes it a great option for those looking for vegetarian recipes while still enjoying a hearty dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).