Lasagna

Lasagna is the perfect dish for every occasion because it's delicious and cheap, and the portions are big! This is one of my favorite meals to prepare because its just as yummy when its reheated. I can make it during the day when my babies are down for a nap, then heat it up for a quick dinner before heading off to gymnastics. This is also my go to "helping hand" dish, as well. I make it for friends who just had babies so they don't have to worry about getting a meal on the table. I made this for my family during a time of loss, when we were all eating fast food for every meal. Plus, it's even great to make for birthday parties, because it feeds a lot of people for a little bit of money. This is a staple in our house and a family favorite. I hope you guys find this cheesy saucy dish as filling as we do.

1 Box OVEN READY lasagna noodles (uncooked)

1 Can Spaghetti sauce - we like Hunt's Four Cheese (it's $0.97 and yummy!)

1 lb Ground beef*

3 c Shredded mozzarella cheese divided

2 c Shredded parmesan cheese divided

1 16 oz Container of small curd cottage cheese

1 Egg

1 Packet of Italian dressing mix

2 tsp Minced garlic

Basil

Parsley

Oregano

Preheat oven to 375.

Brown the ground beef, and drain the grease. Place the beef back into the skillet, and add in the spaghetti sauce plus 1/2 c of water. Stir to incorporate the water, and simmer while you prepare the cheese mixture.

Cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl add 2/3 of the container or cottage cheese, 2 c of mozzarella, 1 1/2 c parmesan cheese, egg, the packet of Italian dressing mix, and minced garlic. Stir together until well mixed and everything is equally coated with seasoning.

Take the sauce off the burner, and add about 1/2 c to the bottom of a deep 9"x13" baking dish. Swirl the sauce around in the baking dish to coat the bottom with the sauce. Layer in the ingredients as follows:

Layer 1: Noodles - usually 3 noodles cover the area of the dish. Its okay if they down touch the sides or ends, because the noodles will cook and swell.

Layer 2: Sauce - cover the noodles with about 1/3 of the meat sauce mixture.

Layer 3: Cheese mixture - spoon in half the cheese mixture and lightly spread to cover as much area as possible.

Layer 4: Noodles

Layer 5: Sauce

Layer 6: Cheese mixture

Layer 7: Noodles

Layer 8: Sauce

Layer 9: Top with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Then sprinkle on some basil, parsley, and oregano to taste.

Cover the dish with foil, and bake for 50 minutes. When the lasagna is done, remove the foil and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing that cheesy saucy goodness up! Serve with a side of garlic bread and a leafy green salad. Voila! You have you will have a meal that feeds your family for $20.00!

* you can substitute ground beef with ground Italian sausage to add some extra flavor.