Mexican Lasagna for Family Dinner

From Jillian Michaels

You're psyched about your new way of life, but your family isn't quite convinced, especially at dinner time. If you need a crowd-pleaser to win them over, try this healthy version of the classic lasagna. Trust me. They'll never know that it's lower in fat and calories than what they're used to!

Mexican Lasagna

Serves 12; 200 calories per serving

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds extra-lean ground beef
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/4-ounce package taco seasoning mix
15 ounces low-fat ricotta cheese
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
27 ounces canned whole green chilies (drain and reserve 2 tablespoons canned juice)
2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce
4 6-inch, low-carb tortillas

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Season the meat with a little salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, break up the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned. Drain off the grease. Stir in the taco seasoning mix and enough water to make a paste.

2. In a small mixing bowl, whisk the ricotta cheese, sour cream, reserved chili juice, Tabasco sauce, and 1⁄2 cup water. Spread a lit¬tle of the mixture to cover the bottom of a 13-by-9-inch baking pan. Cover the sauce with a layer of tortillas, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle the meat mixture evenly over the entire base. Cover with a single layer of whole green chilies and pour the remaining sauce on top.

3. Bake 45 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and let stand 5 minutes before serving.

JILLIAN'S TIP OF THE DAY

Show Your Family the Way

Sure, you'd love it if everyone in your family joined you in your health venture. Not only would it make dinner preparation and grocery shopping easier, but your spouse and kids would enjoy better health too. Until they see light, you can encourage loved ones by offering healthy dishes alongside old favorites, and by asking them if they'd like to join you when you exercise. Leading by example and flaunting your results can be a powerful influence -- just be patient and you'll see! -- Jillian Michaels