Mexican Lasagna with Cactus Recipe

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 4 pounds ground beef
• 2 envelopes taco seasoning mix
• 1 (28 ounce) can enchilada sauce, divided
• 4 (15 ounce) packages flour tortillas, cut in half - divided
• 2 (16 ounce) cans fat-free refried beans
• 2 (12 ounce) packages queso fresco (Mexican cheese), thinly sliced - divided
• 2 (16 ounce) packages shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend, divided
• 1 (16 ounce) jar nopalitos (sliced cactus), drained - divided

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Lightly spray a large disposable aluminum roasting pan with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break the meat into crumbles as it cooks, about 10-12 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess grease from the pan.

Step 3: Stir in the taco seasoning mix and half of the enchilada sauce. Set aside the remaining enchilada sauce for later. Bring the beef mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened. Once done, remove the pan from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Layer one package of flour tortillas at the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring the tortillas cover the entire surface. Spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the tortillas.

Step 5: Place one more package of halved tortillas on top of the refried beans. Add a layer of thinly sliced queso fresco over the tortillas, followed by a generous spread of shredded reduced-fat Mexican cheese blend.

Step 6: Lay half of the sliced nopalitos in a criss-cross pattern over the cheese layer.

Step 7: Place another package of tortillas on top of the nopalitos, then spread the beef mixture evenly over the tortillas. Add the final package of tortillas on top to complete the casserole.

Step 8: Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top layer of tortillas, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese blend over the sauce. Arrange the remaining nopalito slices in a criss-cross pattern over the cheese.

Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and starting to brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	778
Total Fat	25g (33%)
Saturated Fat	9g (47%)
Cholesterol	89mg (30%)
Sodium	1787mg (78%)
Total Carbohydrate	79g (29%)
Dietary Fiber	7g (26%)
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	53g (106%)
Vitamin C	7mg (8%)
Calcium	1049mg (81%)
Iron	7mg (39%)
Potassium	655mg (14%)