Mediterranean Delights
2 lbs lean grass-fed ground beef (or ground turkey)
4 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 jar or can 6-8 ounces of Enchilada Sauce
1 can 6-8 oz tomato sauce (Muir Glen organic is excellent)
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed of all liquid in can
1 tsp ground oregano, or fresh minced oregano
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 tsp ground cumin powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can large black olives, pitted and sliced
1 small can of green chiles, or jalapeno peppers sliced ( or slice two small jalapeno peppers, carefully remove seeds)
24 6 inch corn tortillas
1 lb colby jack cheese, shredded
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, or spanish cheese
2 green onions, washed very well and chopped
This recipe is very accomodating to your own desires. You can switch the ingredients or add your own, such as adding some corn kernels, refried beans, spinach, poblano peppers, or other small chopped vegetables. You can make it entirely vegetarian by eliminating meat and only using beans for your protein. The recipe must have the tortillas, some sauce and needs cheese to help the layers bind together. However, you can easily modify the other ingredients to your own likes.
1. In a large skillent add 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 the chopped onion and all the minced garlic. Saute only 2 to 3 minutes, until translucent. Add the meat and cook until browned. Stir in the oregano, cumin and half of the cilantro. Sprinkle with just a dash of salt. Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper.
2. In a sauce pan add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the remaining onions. Saute only a few minutes. Add the tomato sauce and enchilada sauce. Reduce heat to low and allow to cook 10 minutes or more.
3. Preheat oven to 375-degrees. Spray a 9- x 13-inch baking pan with non-stick sprain or brush with olive oil. Spread two laddles of the tomato sauce mixture on bottom of pan. Begin to layer the lasagna. Place a layer of corn tortillas in the baking pan, next add some of the meat, sauce, beans, olives, chilies, or jalapenos, and some cheese. Repeat for the next two layers. On the top layer do not put any meat or beans; only sauce, olives, and green onion. Top with some cheese.
4. Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven and top with the remaining cilantro prior to serving. Allow to set for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
