Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Deliciously Cheesy Lasagna


Deliciously Cheesy Lasagna

Welcome back my friends,

It’s been some time since I have had a moment to share but you can guarantee that my stove has been busier than ever. It’s a Snow Day here and no better time to share one of my favorite lasagnas. This is sure to be a Comfort Food that you will absolutely love. So by popular demand is here is my famous Lasagna Recipe. Enjoy and be sure to tell me how you like it.

From The Heart,
Bridgette


Ingredients

1 (16 oz) Package of NO BAKE Lasagna Noodles- (or you can simply use regular packaged Lasagna noodles and prepare according to the directions)

1 (19-20 pz) Ground Italian Sausage or Italian Sausage -(with Casings removed)

1 pound Lean Ground Beef- (substitute ground turkey for a lighter option)
1  (16 oz) Small Curd Cottage Cheese
1 (15 oz) Ricotta Cheese
1 cup chopped onions
3 garlic cloves (1 ½ teaspoons of minced garlic)
3 (24 oz) Jars of Marinara Sauce
4 – 6 cups of Italian Cheese (create you own and include cheddar or buy the Italian Blend)
2 Large Eggs
½ teaspoon Garlic Power
3 ½ teaspoons of Italian Seasoning (divided)
1 teaspoon of Salt
½ teaspoon of Accent (optional)

1.      Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.     Mix 2 eggs, garlic powder and 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning in a Food Processor. (Blenders work well also)
3.     Gradually add 2 -3 cups of the Italian cheese mix, cottage cheese and ricotta cheese. Mix until completely smooth.
4.    In a skillet, sauté onion, garlic, 2 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning and salt. Cook until onion begin to slightly turn brown.
5.     Add Italian Sausage and Ground Beef(turkey) to the skillet. Cook until meat is brown and crumbly. Remember to stir it often. After the meat has browned, add the marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
6.     Spray or grease your lasagna pan.
7.     Spread 2-3 cups of the meat sauce  to the bottom of the pan. Top with Noodles, then 2 cups of the cheese mixture.  Add 2 more cups of the meat sauce and continue to layer.
8.     Please be sure to make the top of the last layers meat sauce.
9.     Sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese.
10.  Cover with aluminum foil and back for around 45 mins. After 45 mins, uncover the lasagna and bake for 15 mins longer or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
11.     Remove from the oven and lightly sprinkle with Italian Seasoning. (optional)


*For lighter options consider substituting the meats with lean ground turkey and low/reduce fat ricotta, cottage and Italian cheese.