Mexican Lasagna

I haven't made this recipe in a long time.  As I looked it over I thought, "this is all wrong".  Looking at the recipe made me realized that I've really grown as a cook.  Once upon a time I would follow a recipe to the T and call my mother or father often with cooking questions.  Many recipes and ten years of marriage later I rarely follow a recipe and the phone calls to mom and dad are few.  Remember, a recipe is just a guide, a base to start from.  Do whatever sounds, looks. smells and taste good. 

Mexican Lasagna

What you will need: soft tortilla shells (10 inch), 1 medium onion (chopped), half a green pepper (chopped), 2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 Tbsp paprika, 2 tsp cumin, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 lb ground beef, 1 can diced tomatoes, 8oz tomato sauce, sour cream, 1 can black beans (drained), shredded cheddar.

Saute the onion and green pepper in olive oil. Once they are tender stir in the spices.  This will form a paste.  Put the ground beef in and cook until no longer pink. Spoon out as much grease as you can.  Add the tomatoes, sauce, and black beans.  Let simmer for a bit.
To assemble the dish it's best to use a Dutch oven.  If you don't have one, use a 9x13 pan; you'll have to cut the tortillas in half.  Pour a little olive oil in the Dutch oven and using a silicone brush, brush the oil around to coat the pot.   Take one tortilla and spread sour cream on one side.  Set it in the Dutch oven.  Spoon the hamburger mixture on top of the tortilla and top with cheese.  Repeat these layers until the mixture is gone.  You'll want to end  the layering with cheese.
Bake in the oven for 25 minutes at 375 degrees. 
Top with your favorite taco fixins'
Alternatively, you can use a package of taco seasoning instead of the spices.  You may have to use up to a 1/2 cup of water if you do this.  I don't buy packaged taco seasoning.  When I make tacos I use the spices listed in this recipe instead.  Just a way to save a few cents.