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Homemade Mexican Style Lasagna photo

Mexican Style Lasagna

A layered, lighter Mexican-style lasagna made with ground turkey, salsa, tortillas, and three cheeses.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 12 ounces salsa (no sugar added)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat)
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (part-skim)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, fresh plus more for garnishing
  • 4 whole whole-grain tortillas cut into 2-inch strips
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (reduced-fat)

Equipment

  • 9 x 13-inch casserole dish
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in the salsa until the meat is evenly coated; remove from heat.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, mozzarella, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro until blended.
  5. Spread half of the meat mixture in the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
  6. Top with half of the cheese mixture, then arrange half of the tortilla strips over the cheese.
  7. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat, cheese mixture, and tortillas, then sprinkle the shredded cheddar evenly over the top.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake 5 additional minutes to lightly brown the top.
  9. Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving, then garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Use no-sugar-added salsa to control sweetness.
  • Drain excess fat after browning the turkey.
  • Let the casserole rest so it sets for easier slicing.