Mexican Veggie Lasagna

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed (or 1½ cups cooked black beans)
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen corn kernels         
•  ½ cup chopped bell peppers
• ½ cup onions, chopped or sliced
• ½ cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• ¾ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. cumin powder
• 2 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes
• 9-12 no-boiled lasagna noodles or (no boil noodles)
• 8 oz. shredded Mexican blend cheese or cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese                                                                                                                   

DIRECTIONS:

• Preheat the oven to 400˚ F.  Have a 9 x 9-inch baking dish ready.

• In a pan, add 1 tsp oil and add the green bell peppers, onions, black beans, corn, oregano, garlic powder, cumin powder, and salt, chili flakes and taco seasoning and cook them until the veggies are slightly tender. Add the tomato puree and cook for 3 minutes.

• Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce over the bottom of the baking so that the lasagna does not stick to the bottom of the pan. Layer with a 3-4 lasagna noodles, breaking them as needed to fit the pan.  On top of the layer of noodles, spread about one third of the bean mixture. Sprinkle with one quarter of the cheese.

• Repeat the layering process two times more (noodles, beans mixture, cheese, noodles, beans mixture, cheese).  The last layer will be noodles, tomatoes, and cheese.  Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.  Bake 35-45 minutes, or until noodles are tender and cooked through.  Remove the foil from the top and bake 5 minutes more, until the cheese is melted.  Remove from the oven and let stand at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving