Cheap and Easy Classic Lasagna
Bake and Serve or Freeze this Economical Family Favorite
This lasagna recipe is a hit with the whole family! Serve it to a small family of four twice in one week. It is great for every day or special occasions. A classic comfort food, lasagna is also a great meal to prepare for the family members of an ailing friend.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 12 ounce package lasagna noodles (9 noodles)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 24 ounce container cottage cheese
- 28 ounce can or jar spaghetti sauce (any flavor)
Option 1: Bake and Serve
- Preheat oven to 350° .
- Boil lasagna noodles in a large pan as directed on the package.
- Brown beef in skillet.
- Mix both packages of cheese and the container of cottage cheese in a large bowl.
- Layer 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom of a baking dish (9 x 13).
- Spoon 1/3 of the cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Layer 1/2 of the beef mixture on top of the cheese mixture.
- Pour on 1/3 of the spaghetti sauce and spread with a spoon.
- Repeat steps 5-8.
- Layer on the last 3 noodles and top with the remaining cheese mixture and sauce.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Option 2: Freeze and Save
- Brown beef.
- Boil noodles.
- Mix and layer ingredients as listed above.
- Cover and freeze.
- When you are ready to bake the lasagna, bake at 350° for 60 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the lasagna is heated through.
Option 3: Day-in-Advance Preparation
Follow the steps listed in option one, except do not boil the noodles. Place the covered dish in the refrigerator before baking. The noodles will soften in the sauce and be ready to cook the next day. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
For a Complete Meal
Try serving the lasagna with a loaf of Italian bread. Mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil and1/2 to 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Top with shredded parmesan cheese. Serve the sauce on individual plates or in individual bowls for dipping the sliced bread.
A nice side salad adds a final touch for a complete meal. Choose your favorite style of lettuce. Mixed green and red leaf lettuce gives a nice colorful appearance. Simple spinach is a healthy choice. Top your salad with chopped walnuts and fresh strawberries. Add sliced red onions and serve with a strawberry vinaigrette dressing.
First time serving?If you are new to serving or just a little rusty, don't forget to review your table setting basics. You can use any method with the lasagna, from simple to formal. Fun folded napkins offer a nice conversation piece at a more elegant meal.
Need more easy meal ideas? Check out this whole chicken recipe with leftover suggestions.
