Deconstructed Lasagna (Lazy Lasagna) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1.Cook the Ground Meat:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat.
2.Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- Add finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3.Add Tomato Sauce:
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4.Prepare Lasagna Noodles:
- Meanwhile, cook the broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5.Assemble Cheesy Layers:
- In a bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside for layering.
6.Build the Layers:
- Spoon a generous amount of the meat sauce over the noodles.
- Add dollops of the cheese mixture and sprinkle chopped spinach.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.
7. Finish and Bake (Optional):
- If you prefer a baked finish, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the dish in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish and Serve:
- Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately.
This deconstructed lasagna is a quick and delicious alternative to the traditional dish, offering all the flavors you love in a fraction of the time. Enjoy your lazy lasagna with a side salad or crusty bread for a satisfying meal!