Lasagna

We had company for dinner and I wanted to make a tasty meal that would satisfy all the kids and the adults...lasagna was the perfect choice. I usually make lasagna with Italian turkey sausage and lots of veggies (see recipe here) but this time I decided to make it very simple. I used low fat ground beef and fresh basil from the garden. It turned out amazing... the cheese was gooey and the meat was tender. I served it with a nectarine and goat cheese salad and bread sticks. This meal was a big hit with everyone.

• 1 pound of lean ground beef (I used 96/4)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 sweet yellow onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese (I used non fat)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked per instructions
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 4 cups of marinara sauce (homemade or store bought)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, making sure to break it up into crumbles. Add the onions, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano and salt & pepper to taste. Once the meat is brown and the onion is tender, add the garlic and cook for 60 seconds, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and drain any grease.

In a large bowl, add ricotta, eggs, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, salt & pepper to taste. Combine until mixed thoroughly. Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles per instructions then drain.

Layer a 9 x 13 inch baking pan with just enough sauce to cover the bottom of the pan. Lay three lasagna noodles in the pan. Spread some of the ricotta mixture on the noodles, then spoon some of the ground beef mixture on top and sprinkle with a bit of mozzarella, spoon some sauce over the cheese; repeat layering. Finish with a layer of noodles and remaining sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Bake covered in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes. Enjoy.

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