Lessons Learned Making Taco Lasagna

One of the new meals I tried out this week was Taco Lasagna! I was oh so excited about trying this meal because we love anything Mexican and I just knew it was going to be a new family favorite. Well, it still could be a family favorite but due to carelessness and being a little too frugal equaled an edible, but not amazing dinner!

Here is the recipe:
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup water
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) Mexican diced tomatoes, undrained
6 flour tortillas (8 inches)
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
3 cups (12 ounces) shredded Mexican cheese blend

In a large skillet, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add water and taco seasoning; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes. Stir in the black beans and tomatoes. Simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes

Place two torillas in a greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Spread with half of the refried beans and beef mixture; sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Top with remaining tortillas and cheese. Cover and bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts.

Here is my Taco Lasagna:

Here are my mistakes:

1. I forgot to spread refried beans on the bottom layer of tortillas because I was in a hurry (for no reason!) Since I left them off the bottom layer I decided to just forget the beans entirely!

2. I didn't use 3 cups cheese (that is a lot of cheese!!) Sometimes I tend to be too frugal and sparing with cheese but I should have layered it on thick to get a nice and cheesy casserole!

3. I didn't do a top layer of tortillas. We make our own tortillas and I didn't want to make up a huge batch so I didn't and left off a part of the casserole!

4.I didn't read the entire recipe (this is an old, bad habit of mine that I thought I had broken...guess not!) I didn't bake covered...it was a little dry, hubby even suggested that next time I cover it so it will be more moist! Guess he was right (I just fully read the recipe when I typed it!)

So the poor Taco Lasagna turned out nothing like it should have and I learned a very important lesson: when following a new recipe, follow it exactly and if we like it, then I can make changes and try to make it less expensive!