Just Like the “Real Thing” Lasagna
(from ejroberts86’s recipe box)
Could be doubled for a 8×8 pan
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Serves 4 people
Ingredients
- 2 Eggs
- 4 oz. Cream Cheese – Softened
- 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese – Grated
- 1 1/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded
- 1/4 tsp. Italian Seasoning
- 1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
- *1 lb. Ground Beef
- *1 1/2 Cups Three Cheese Marinara Sauce, Divided
- *3/4 Cup Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded
- *6 Tbs. Cottage cheese
- *1 Tbs. Minced Onion
- *1 tsp. Dried Oregano
- *1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- *1 tsp. Dried Basil
- *1 tsp. Italian Seasoning
Directions
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For the “Noodles” – This part will take the longest so feel free to make the “noodles” the night before and just leave them in the fridge until you are ready for them.
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Preheat oven to 375° Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper
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In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, cream together cream cheese and eggs.
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Next, add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold in mozzarella cheese and mix until well incorporated.
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With a rubber spatula, spread the mixture into the baking dish, forming a nice even layer. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes.
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en the “noodles” are done baking, cool in the fridge for about 20 minutes and then cut into thirds. This makes three perfectly sized “noodle” layers for an 8.5 X 4.5 X 2.5 loaf pan.
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For the Filling (*) – In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, combine ground beef, minced onion, oregano, garlic powder, dried basil and a pinch of salt. Cook until meat is browned.
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Drain excess fat from pan and add ¾ Cup marinara sauce to meat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
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Pour ¼ cup marinara sauce into bottom of loaf pan. Top with the first “noodle” layer
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Layer a third of the ground beef mixture. Top with ¼ cup mozzarella cheese and 3 Tbs. cottage cheese, and cover with another “noodle” layer. Repeat these steps.
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Cover the top “noodle” layer with remaining ground beef, and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning over top. Bake for 20 minutes.