Lasagna and Marinara Sauce

[Roxy]

This is from my very wonderful friend. She is one fantastic cook:) I haven't made this yet, but, hope to get it made real soon. Thought I would share it with you all..enjoy:)

 

 

 

Mo's Lasagna

 

(Prepare "Mo's Marinara Sauce" as directed, and set aside)

 

1 ¼ pounds lean ground beef

1 TBSP. olive or salad oil (I use olive oil)

1 Onion (tennis ball size, chopped fine)

1 green pepper, chopped fine

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can stems & pieces mushrooms, well drained

1 pkg. frozen chopped spinach, very well drained

2 cups 1% or 2% cottage cheese

2 TBSP. grated Parmesan cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

9 lasagna noodles, cooked as directed on pkg.

1 - 9 x 13 baking pan, glass or metal (I use glass)

 

 

Cook lasagna noodles as directed, rinse in colander and set aside.

 

In large fry pan cook ground beef, onion, green pepper, and garlic in 1 Tbsp. Oil until ground beef is thoroughly cooked. Reduce heat, and add well-drained spinach and the mushrooms. Continue to cook for about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and place into a large mixing bowl and cool completely! When cooled to room temperature, add cottage cheese, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of the grated mozzarella cheese. Stir together well.

 

In 9 x 13 pan, layer on bottom of pan like this:

 

Marinara sauce, then 3 noodles, then 1/2 the meat mixture

 

Marinara sauce, then 3 noodles, then the rest of the meat mixture

 

Marinara sauce, then the last 3 noodles, and more sauce on top.

 

( DO NOT ADD ANY GRATED MOZZARELLA ON TOP BEFORE BAKING!)

 

Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Remove lasagna from oven, uncover, and immediately sprinkle all the grated mozzarella on top so it can melt. Allow to sit on counter for 10 minutes before serving.

 

Serve with tossed salad & garlic toast!

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

MO's MARINARA SAUCE

 

2 TBSP Olive or Salad Oil

2 Garlic Cloves (pressed)

1 Onion (tennis ball size chopped fine)

28 oz. Can Crushed Tomatoes

1 can Tomato Paste (5.5 oz.)

1 Can Hunt's Tomato Sauce (14 oz.)

1 TBSP Sugar

2 tsp. Sweet Basil

1/2 tsp Salt

1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

 

 

In a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat, in oil, cook garlic & onion until tender, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn, or sauce will be bitter). Stir in mashed tomatoes, their liquid, and remaining ingredients. Reduce heat to low; cover; cook 20 - 30 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. (This recipe can be doubled). Be careful not to burn!