Enchilada Lasagna

When you want to use what you've got, you have to get somewhat creative!  That is where this recipe was born from!  Now, I know this isn't a ground breaking recipe, and I'm sure others have made this, but it was a first for our household.  It was delicious!  And a definite repeat meal for the future!  Try it tonight and you will not be disappointed!

Ingredients:

- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/2 onions, chopped
- 1/2 a can of black olives, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of Garlic
- 1 can of Chipolte Peppers in their Adobo Sauce
- 1 can Black Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can Enchilada Sauce
- 1 bottle Taco Sauce
- 1 pkg. Corn Tortillas
- 1 can Ro-Tel Tomatoes w/ Habanero (or with green chilis if you don't like the super spicyness)
- Shredded Cheese
- Chili Powder to taste

*You will see a can of refried beans here in the photo.  I decided not to use them since I thought the black beans were enough.  Feel free to use them if you like as an extra layer though!*

Directions:

1.  Chop up your onion, olives, and peppers and set aside.

2.  Begin browning your ground beef.  When it's done, drain all the grease and add your drained black beans, your chipolte peppers, your garlic, and your chili powder.  Give it a nice stir and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes, just to let the flavors incorporate and to allow your husband to pop into the kitchen and ask "What are you making?!  It smells delicious!" ;-)  Once it's done, remove to a bowl and set aside.

3.  Take a 9X13inch baking pan, and pour your entire can of Enchilada sauce on the bottom.  Then, place your layer of corn tortillas on top, slathering them in the sauce as you go.  I used about 6 corn tortillas per layer.

4.  Now layer on some of your bean/meat mixture, spreading it evenly.  Then the olives and the onions.  And then half the can of the Ro-tel with it's juices.  A layer of cheese, spread evenly.  And then repeat.

5.  You will want to leave off with the last of the tortillas.  Place those on top of your lasagna and pour the entire bottle of the Taco sauce on top.  Top with more cheese (sorry, forgot the photo...by this time...I was just too hungry, lol!) and then bake in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese on top has browned.

Here's the final product.....

Messy, spicy, delicious, and affordable!  Can't go wrong there!  Serve alone or with a light salad and you have a very filling and simple dinner with leftovers for lunch or dinner tomorrow.  I hope you try this one and soon!  Enjoy!