Lasagna Recipe!

    Lasagna is one of our family favorites!  I always feel happy when I make something for the family that they like..There is a special rewarding feeling that comes when there are fed tummies and happy faces.  I love to cook and bake for my family! I make many things without a recipe. Needless to say, a certain dish may taste slightly different the next time.  I learned how to cook from helping my mom. She was always putting things together. She is a SUPER cook. In fact, the lasagna that I make comes from the recipe my mom made when I was young.  I am sure the way I make the lasagna is different than how she makes it, but I decided I would write down the lasagna recipe that I make and share it. The next time I make lasagna it may be a bit different then this time. You may want to alter some ingredients or try adding new ones..I do it all the time.  For example, you may want to use ground beef instead of ground turkey or add spinach, YUMMY!
     When I was at the grocery store getting the lasagna noodles, (which were on the very top shelf) I thought they were out, because I couldn't see them. As I stretch on my tip toes ( I'm 5' 3" ) I saw some in the way back. Hmmm, I couldn't reach! Lucky for me a taller lady walked by and grabbed herself some.  I asked if she could get me a box too. When I got home, I notice the kind lady handed me oven ready noodles vs regular noodles you boil.  I have never used oven ready noodles before, until now. The lasagna in the picture is with oven ready noodles and I must say, I liked the noodles.  Use whatever works for you.  Both noodles turn out GREAT!

RECIPE:

 8-10 lasagna noodles

   2lb lean ground turkey

1 medium onion diced

2 (15oz cans) tomato sauce

1 (14.5oz can) Italian recipe diced tomatoes

1 (6oz can) tomato paste

 2 tsp crushed basil

 1/8-1/4 tsp ground pepper

 1 tsp ground garlic

 2 1/2 cups of cottage cheese

  1 Tbsp parsley

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4-1/2 tsp pepper

 2 beaten eggs

 3 cups mozzarella cheese

    For the noodles cook as directed on the package or use oven ready. If boiling your noodles, cook and brown your turkey and onion while the noodles cook. Also, you can add some salt and pepper to meat while browning.  When turkey is cooked all the way and onion is tender drain off any excess fat. Add the tomato sauce, tomatoes, and paste.  If the tomatoes seem too big, even though they are diced, you can cut them smaller. Add the basil, pepper and garlic. Stir and let simmer for at least 20 min.  This allows the flavors to mix. While sauce is simmering put the cottage cheese in a small-medium bowl.  Then add parsley, parmesan cheese, pepper, and the eggs.  Mix well with a fork. If using noodles you boil, after you drain them, rinse them so they won't stick together.  

Time to put the lasagna together!

    Get out a 9x13 baking dish.  Line the bottom with noodles about four across the bottom. (they will overlap some.) If using oven ready put a little sauce on the bottom first..The noodles need the moisture. I also noticed the noodles were smaller, so I did about five noodles across and one on the end opposite direction. Then spread half the cottage cheese mixture on the noodles. Sprinkle half the mozzarella cheese. Spread half the meat sauce.  Repeat layers again. Noodles, cheese mixture, cheese, meat sauce.  Sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese on the top center for garnish.  Turn oven to 350 degrees and cook for about 30-40 minutes. Should be bubbling and cheese garnish melted. When I used oven ready noodles, I put the lasagna in the oven at 350 degrees and baked it for 60-75 minutes (until noodles are tender when poked with a fork).  Let it cool 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow it to set. If not set enough and too hot, it will fall apart when cutting a slice and dishing it out. It is still yummy though! It came out DELICIOUS! If you need a good bib, click HERE!