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Cowboy Lasagna

Cowboy Lasagna
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This easy Cowboy Lasagna is a warm, comforting Tex-Mex inspired casserole featuring layers of seasoned ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, rich tomato sauce and salsa, crunchy tortilla chips, and a melty shredded cheese blend. Quick to prepare and bake, it’s a family-friendly, hearty twist on classic lasagna perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Sauce

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup salsa (preferably fresh)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Layers

  • 4 cups crushed sturdy tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheese blend (cheddar and Monterey Jack)

Optional Extras

  • 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until soft and fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Stir in tomato sauce, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and let simmer gently for about 10 minutes to blend flavors.
  2. Layer the Ingredients: In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the prepared meat sauce. Sprinkle a generous handful of crushed tortilla chips evenly over the sauce. Follow with a layer of shredded cheese. Repeat the layering process—meat sauce, chips, cheese—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a thick layer of cheese on top.
  3. Bake Until Golden and Bubbling: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled lasagna in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and golden brown. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow layers to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh salsa for brighter, fresher flavor.
  • Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it firm up for easier serving.
  • Choose thick, sturdy tortilla chips to maintain crunch and texture in the layers.
  • Customize your cheese blend by adding pepper jack for spice or mozzarella for creaminess.
  • Drain excess grease from cooked beef to avoid overly oily casserole.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cowboy Lasagna, Tex-Mex casserole, ground beef lasagna, tortilla chip casserole, layered lasagna, family dinner, easy casserole, comfort food

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/cowboy-lasagna/