Taco Lasagna Bold Flavors (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

01 - 1 pound ground beef
02 - 1 packet taco seasoning
03 - 1 cup water
04 - 9 lasagna noodles
05 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
06 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1 can (15 oz) refried beans
08 - 1 cup salsa
09 - 1 cup sour cream
10 - 1 cup chopped green onions
11 - 1 cup sliced black olives
12 - 1 cup diced tomatoes
13 - 1 cup chopped cilantro
14 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
15 - 1 teaspoon onion powder

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
02 - Add the lasagna noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, until tender. Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
04 - Add the taco seasoning and 1 cup of water to the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
05 - Spread the refried beans evenly over the base of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Arrange 3 lasagna noodles on top, slightly overlapping if necessary. Spoon half of the taco beef mixture on top of the noodles and spread it out evenly.
06 - Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the beef mixture.
07 - Spread half a cup of sour cream evenly over the cheese layer using a spatula. Sprinkle half of the chopped green onions, black olives, diced tomatoes, and cilantro on top.
08 - Repeat the layering process with 3 more lasagna noodles, the remaining taco beef mixture, cheese, sour cream, and toppings.
09 - Place the final layer of lasagna noodles on top and spread the remaining sour cream evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle the top with any leftover cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and toppings.
10 - Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
11 - Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
12 - Let the taco lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with extra cilantro, if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For a spicier kick, use hot salsa or add diced jalapenos to the beef mixture.
02 - Consider using ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
03 - You can substitute the shredded mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for extra flavor.
04 - For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat.
05 - Top the lasagna with fresh avocado slices or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving for added freshness.

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