Mexican Lasagna (low fat)

One of the reasons I love the internet is that it's made finding something new and yummy to make for dinner..... easier! I found this recipe earlier today on this site and I changed it up to make it more family friendly for my family. If I had more teenagers living at home I'd add another pound of chicken to the recipe. It was a huge hit and the leftovers are sitting chilly in my freezer right now.

Ingredients

1 pound  chicken breasts

1 medium onion, diced

2 cans (14.5 ounce) black beans

2 cans (14.5 ounce) corn ( I like to use Shoepeg corn)

2-1/2 cups mild or medium salsa -- I prefer mild

1 package of taco seasoning-- low sodium is preferred

1/2 to 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, cut in small pieces

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon pepper

1 (8 ounce) package 1/3 less fat cream cheese -- low-fat is fine

9 corn tortillas, cut in strips

2 cups grated low fat cheddar cheese

In medium skillet, cook chicken with diced onion until browned and done.  If using chicken breasts, cut into small pieces before or after cooking.   Set aside.  In large bowl, add black beans, corn, salsa, taco seasoning, cilantro, cumin, and pepper.  Set aside.  In 13 x 9 x 2 baking pan, dutch oven, or crock pot,  begin to layer ingredients, using 1/3 of each of the bean and corn mixture, tortilla strips, chicken, and cream cheese.  Begin and end the layering with the corn tortillas strips.  Bake in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes.  Take pan out of oven and add grated cheese.  Bake for another 15 minutes.  If using a crock pot, cook on low for about 2-1/2 hours, add cheese and cook for another 15 minutes. Watch to make sure you don't overcook. ( I cooked the chicken and onions in the same pan that I eventually used to put the lasagna into)

Makes 6-8 servings

The cast of characters

Saute the chicken and onions together

Using a separate bowl mix the other ingredients

First layer, use 1/3 of tortilla strips

Next add 1/3 of bean mixture

Add 1/3 chicken and onion mixture

Who doesn't love cream cheese? Add 1/3 amount of cubed cream cheese

Top with another layer of corn tortilla strips

This is after baking for 45 minutes, add cheese and return to oven 

for another 15 min. Repeat this process 2 more times

Serve with a salad, yummy

Enjoy!