Lasagna: It's time to get saucy!

So, I do apologize for my absence of blogging. I honestly had zero energy left at the end of the day for blogging. However, I saved a really good recipe for today! I based this recipe on this.  I added my own twist on it to include some healthy stuff.

Dreamy Lasagna


Ingredients:

• 1 TBSP Olive oil, plus extra for the pan
• 1 - 2 lbs of ground beef or turkey (depends how meaty you like it)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic (If you want to add more or less, you can. I just like it really garlic-y!), minced
• 2 large tomatoes, diced (You could also use a can or two cans of diced tomatoes)
• 1 (8 oz.) jar/can of tomato sauce
• 1 (6 oz) can of tomato paste
• 1 (8 oz) box of no-boil lasagna noodles
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 3 tsp. freshly chopped parsley leaves
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1 (8 oz) bag of shredded Mozzarella
• 1 (8 oz) bag of shredded Cheddar
• 1 - 2 cups of chopped spinach
• 2 cups shredded carrots

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Lightly oil the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
3. In  a large saute pan, over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp Olive oil and saute meat, garlic, and onion. Cook till the meat is brown, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
4. Drain the pan of fat (greasy liquid) and add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, shredded carrots and tomato paste. 
5. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and then add in the cottage cheese, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and spinach. 
7. Spread a little of the meat sauce in the bottom of the pan and start laying your noodles, making sure they overlap by 1/2 inch. 
8. Spread half the egg/cheese mix on top and then sprinkle on half of the Cheddar and half of the mozzarella. 
9. Layer more noodles on top and then put on the meat sauce and cheese mixture until it is all gone. 
10. Sprinkle leftover cheese and Parmesan on top. 
11. Bake for 30-35 minutes in the center of the oven until the sauce is bubbling around the edges. 
12. Let cool 10 minutes and then enjoy!

Time: 1 hr 30 minutes

Yield: about 12 servings (a little less if you like larger squares of lasagna)

I know that this recipe seems scary because of the ingredient list and the amount of steps, but it really isn't bad. This lasagna is a family favorite and it is easy to freeze for later meals! To put it simply, you put in all the time now and you will have at least 3 or so meals! Yum! I hope you all enjoy and as always... 

Bon appétit!