Three-Layer Lasagna
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When I assemble a lasagna – or any layered dish, really – it feels a bit like an art project. Like a pasta-based mosaic, where you thoughtfully arrange all the individual components in such a way that when it all comes together you have something exciting to behold. It’s almost therapeutic.
Maybe that’s giving the humble lasagna a little more poetry than it warrants, but it’s definitely a dish that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. This Three-Layer Lasagna is a classic recipe from Barilla, with layers of sweet Italian sausage, and ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a somewhat cheesier version than what I grew up with, but I like it. Next time I might incorporate some chopped spinach in with the cheese for a little color and to get some vegetables in there (that’s my mommy side talking). But nonetheless it was a highly satisfying dish – one that freezes well too!
Three-Layer Lasagna
Adapted from the back of the Barilla Lasagne box
INGREDIENTS:
9-12 lasagna noodles (about 1/2 of a 1 lb. box)
1 lb. bulk Italian sausage or ground beef, cooked and drained
2 jars marinara sauce
1 container (15 oz.) ricotta cheese
4 cups (16 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (2 oz.) grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs, lightly beaten
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and separate. In a large saucepan, combine cooked meat and 1 1/2 jars of marinara sauce, simmer 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 3 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese and eggs. Spray 13″ x 9″ baking dish with cooking spray. Spread 3/4 cup marinara sauce over the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3-4 lasagna noodles over the bottom, slightly overlapping. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles and cover with half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers. Cover last layer with remaining noodles and remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
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It's the recipe collection I didn't realize I had - the recipes printed right on the food packages in my kitchen. It's time for me to finally give them a try, and hopefully I'll find some hidden gems along the way.
By amanda, October 1, 2009 @ 1:33 PM
looks gorgeous, kathy! total food porn!
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By dawn, October 1, 2009 @ 2:52 PM
well that looks easy and super tasty!
dawn´s last blog ..feta & raisin dip
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By kasha, October 1, 2009 @ 8:44 PM
I just want to eat your picture. Even if I followed your recipe I don’t think it would look so scrumptious. I also love your lemon broccoli recipe. So fresh and delicious. Thank you!
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By nina, October 2, 2009 @ 5:24 AM
Your art project is definitely worth the effort. I cannot think when last I saw a more delicious looking lasagna!!!
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By Jessica, October 2, 2009 @ 2:46 PM
Lasagna takes a lot of work, but it’s definitely worth it in the end! I love having a bunch of friends over and making lasagna together. It helps to have those extra hands in the kitchen!
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By HoneyB, October 3, 2009 @ 4:01 PM
Lasagna is Grumpy’s fav meal! Your making me think I really should make it for him soon!
HoneyB´s last blog ..Chicago Deep Dish Pizza ala Cooking Light and my birthday
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By Valerie@CookingSharp, October 3, 2009 @ 4:39 PM
That’s quite lovely. I’ve been wanting to make lasagna, but haven’t been able to find any ricotta cheese in town. Guess I’ll have to go to the big city soon so I can get some and try this recipe!
Valerie@CookingSharp´s last blog ..Crunchy Cookies Vintage Recipe
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By Olivia, October 6, 2009 @ 6:24 PM
I’ve begun a ritual of making one homemade meal a night for my mom and her husband – and this was my second recipe. My mom’s husband said that it was the best lasagna and he couldn’t have gotten it better in a restaurant. He ate almost half! It was a great success, so thanks for posting the recipe!
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Kathy Reply:
October 6th, 2009 at 10:06 PM
That’s so awesome – I’m so glad it was such a success. Way to go!
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By Aircda, December 11, 2009 @ 11:12 AM
I love your pictures, so mouth watering. I am going to try this for New Years day, I love making the pasta. Thanks for putting this up.
Aircda´s last blog ..Automatic Pasta Maker
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