Marvelous Mexican Lasagna

Cooked ground beef, onion, garlic, tomatoes and taco seasoning mix is layered with tortilla chips, black beans, taco sauce and shredded cheese, then baked.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 packages taco seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1, 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 4 cups taco sauce
• Salt and pepper
• Tortilla chips, slightly crushed
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar or pepper-jack cheese
• 2 scallions, finely chopped
• Sour Cream
• Shredded Lettuce

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil. Add onion and garlic; saute 3 minutes. Add ground beef; brown the meat, approximately 5 minutes. Drain fat from pan. Stir in tomatoes and taco seasoning; heat through. In a rectangular baking dish spread 1/2 cup taco sauce; layer with chips, taco meat, beans and cheese. Repeat layers 2 or 3 more times. Finish with sauce and smother with cheese. Bake about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream and lettuce.

Number of Servings: 8-10

Notes from the Cook: Great as a main course or as a super-size appetizer.