LASAGNA

I don't make lasagna a lot because I like it so much I always want to eat more of it than I should but once in a while it's so worth it. Definitely one of those comfort foods that is top on my list.

For step by step instructions and photos vist my blog at http://www recipesfordivineliving.blogspot.com

Delicious Easy-Peasy Lasagna

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 box lasagna noodles (12-15 noodles)
• 1 1/2 - 2 lbs ground chuck
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 6 oz can of water
• 1 tsp sugar

CHEESE MIXTURE:

• 1 16oz container cottage cheese, small curd
• 1 15oz container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 oz shredded Monterey cheese, shredded

Brown hamburger in olive oil, adding salt and pepper. Before it’s completely brown add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until meat is browned and onions are tender. Add crushed tomatoes, paste, water and sugar. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Taste to make sure it is well seasoned, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.

Combine cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning; set aside. Grate mozzarella and Monterey and combine.

Bring a large pot of water to boil. Once it’s boiling, salt well and add a splash or two of olive oil, then cook noodles according to package instructions. Make sure you cook them just until el dente because you’ll be cooking them again in the oven.

To assemble; lightly spray a 9x13 baking pan and cover bottom with a small amount of meat sauce. Lay noodles side by side to cover bottom of pan (3 noodles should do it); top with a layer of cottage/ricotta cheese and a layer of shredded cheese. Cover with a layer of meat sauce and repeat layering with noodles, cheese and meat mixture, ending with the meat sauce. I like to do 4 or 5 layers so you would need to cook 12-15 noodles.

Bake at 375* covered for 20-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese for the last 10 minutes if desired.


Yummm, look at that gooey cheese coming through.....


I like to serve this with some garlic bread. If I'm in a hurry I just cut french bread into thick slices, spread on butter and sprinkle with garlic salt and put them under the broiler for a few minutes. Simple and tasty.

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