[Aerandir]

Is there any way to force this reaction?

2NO₂ N₂ + 2O₂

instead of

2NO₂ 2NO + O₂

Seems to me like the top equation would be the preferred one instead of the bottom, due to N₂ having a stable triple bond...

[DevaDevil]

1/2 N₂ + 1/2 O₂ = NO
ΔH_o = + 21,590 g cal/mol

1/2 N₂ + O₂ = NO₂
ΔH_o = + 7,730 g cal/mol

So you are right in that the products of N₂ and O₂ are more stable than NO and O₂.
the breaking of the second N-O bond requires quite a bit of activation energy though, which in turn requires a good catalyst to pull it off. Studies are conducted in what ideal catalysts for this reaction are