ROUND FOUR: Lasagna

OK, to start off the next round, lets do something with tons and tons of variations. I need to add a disclaimer though, I originally posted this recipe on my other blog, but it will definitely be a good Round starter here. As Ben Stiller in Starsky and Hutch says, "Do It."

Lasagna

8 lasagna noodles
1.5 lb of ground meat
3 c. tomato sauce
1 large white onion diced
2 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 t. garlic minced
2 t. garlic powder
16 oz. ricotta cheese
2 eggs
½ c. parmesan/ramano sprinkle cheese
1 t. oregano
1 t. parsley
2 t. red pepper flakes
1 t. black pepper
8 slices of mozzarella cheese
1 c. mozzarella cheese
salt to taste

Cook noodles as per the instructions on the box in salted water. Meanwhile, heat oil in a pot and add onions and minced garlic. After cooking for about 3 minutes, add the ground meat and cook until done. Add the tomato sauce, red pepper flakes and salt to taste. Simmer for about 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, eggs, parmesan/ramano cheese, oregano, parsley, black pepper and salt.

Put a little bit of the sauce on the bottom of a 9”x13” baking dish. Then add a layer of noodles (4 noodles). Next add half the tomato sauce mixture. Next add the slices of mozzarella cheese. Next add half the ricotta cheese mixture. Next layer is back to noodles, then comes the rest of the tomato sauce mixture, followed by the rest of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top the ricotta cheese with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Note: You may notice that the top of my lasagna looks a little orange. Well, I thought I had picked up some shredded mozzarella cheese at the grocery store but I hadn’t. I had to use cheddar and provolone instead. I would definitely recommend mozzarella though.