The Mexican Godfather: Taco Lasagna

As a lover of Mexican and Italian food, I've always had a special place in my heart for spicy foods and pasta dishes.  I have created a few posts based on these types of foods (especially pastas), and I am always trying something new and different.

The Godfather

This got me thinking...  Let me try something new and exciting, something I have not done before.  And what a fun way to combine two of my favorite types of food into one deliciously hearty dish: Tacos and Lasagna! Fusing Mexican street food and the Godfather of the culinary world: Italian (throwing my hands in the air).

1 + 1 = 3?

I decided to combined two dishes we often have at home: Tacos and Lasagna.  Lasagna is typically made with pasta, in layers of: meat, pasta sheets, cheese and bechamel sauce.  There are various types of the lasagna made from a variety of ingredients.  

Antojitos

Tacos are small hand-sized corn / wheat tortilla shells, topped with filling (this can be beef, pork, chicken, seafood or even vegetables), folded and eaten by hand.  They are a huge hit at food stalls around the world.  Tacos are commonly known as Antojitos - Street snacks.

This is my take on combining two culturally different foods to create a new "Family".

The Mexican Godfather - Taco Lasagna!

Taco Lasagna

This dish consists of three components: Tacos, Lasagna and Bechamel.

Cooking time: 45 - 60minutes

Baking Time : 5-10 minutes (to grill the cheese)

Servings: 4 - 6

Difficulty: 2 out 5

Ingredients: Lasagna - Meat 

• 350g ground Beef
• 1 Onion (diced)
• Garlic cloves (to taste)
• 125g Mushrooms (diced)
• 1 can of Tomato Relish
• 250g shredded Cheddar cheese
• 250g chunky Cottage cheese
• 2 tbs fine Apricot Jam (optional)
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 1 tbs Paprika powder
• 1 tbs dried Mixed Herbs
• 60g Tomato Paste
• Butter / Oil for frying.

Method:

• In a large pan brown the onions and mushrooms (medium to high heat).
• Once they are cooked add the following: garlic, tomato relish, tomato paste and dried herbs.
• The sauce will start to thicken,  add the ground beef and cook with the lid on for 10 minutes (stirring occasionally).
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Reducing the heat, simmer with the lid removed for 10 minutes or until the moisture has lessened.
• Remove from the stove and keep aside for assembly.

I added 2 tablespoons of fine apricot jam to balance out the taste.

Ingredients: (Tacos)

• 1 pack of ready made Taco Shells

Homemade Tacos will do just fine too!

Method:

• Heat the shells in a microwave for 1 minute / according to packet instructions.
• Remove and leave to cool down.
• Once cooled down, brake into various sizes.

Ingredients: (Bechamel Sauce)

• 2/3 cups of all purpose Flour (sifted)
• 1 cup Milk (slightly heated)
• 40g - 60g Butter
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Method:

• In a saucepan, melt the butter on a medium heat.
• Slowly add the flour, while constantly stirring (you don't want the sauce to burn).
• Once a paste has formed, add the milk in divided parts, constantly stirring!
• The sauce will start to thicken (in about 5 minutes), season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Remove from the heat and keep aside for assembly.

Let's Assemble!

• Switch the oven onto grill.
• Coat a regular sized oven dish with "Spray and Cook" or butter.
• Layer the following: tacos, ground beef and cottage cheese.
• Repeat at least once.
• Spread the bechamel sauce over the last layer.
• Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
• Grill until golden brown.
• Serve with a salad or guacamole.

 Enjoy, take care of the ones around you, and most of all Stay Safe!

Tin_Tin

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