Lazy Lasagna

Lazy Lasagna

Frozen (or fresh if you prefer!) ravioli (I used both cheese and meat varieties)

left over spaghetti sauce (or canned)

cottage cheese 

eggs (beaten)

shredded mozzarella cheese

Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Pour in a small amount of spaghetti sauce.

Lay out a layer of frozen ravioli in the sauce.

Mix together cottage cheese and eggs. (1 egg per cup of cottage cheese)

Pour a layer of this mixture over the ravioli.

Add a layer of spaghetti sauce.

Repeat layers.

Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake @ 300-325* for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until hot and bubbling.

This will cook more quickly if the ravioli is fresh or thawed.

I am claiming to have invented this recipe... I was looking to empty the freezer of on-hand items and had a few ravioli in two bags- one of meat and one of cheese filled ravioli. I had leftover spaghetti sauce, and a half a carton of cottage cheese that was nearing its expiration date. Lasagna came to mind, so I went with it!

The beauty of this recipe over regular lasagna is that I can make a small casserole dish of it and serve it for one meal. With my regular lasagna recipe.. I need company!

Spaghetti and Bread Sticks/ Pizza Crust

How is this for a "Three fer" post?

Spaghetti Sauce

32- 48 oz. (total) canned tomato products. (I use crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes)

6 to 12oz canned tomato paste (If you are making a small amount, the small can is fine, if making a larger amount, use the bigger can, or two of the small)

Ground hamburger meat

onion, chopped

garlic, minced

Italian seasoning blend

Basil

Garlic

salt

sugar

Brown hamburger with the chopped onions and garlic. Drain off the fat. Add the tomato products, as well as the seasonings. I LOVE basil, so usually add at least a tablespoon of basil and a little less of the Italian seasoning blend. More garlic and some onion powder, and a teaspoon or less of sugar and of salt.

Simmer. Serve over cooked pasta.

Bread Sticks/ Pizza Crust

2 1/2 (+) cups flour

1 packet or 1 teaspoon of dry active yeast

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1teaspoon italian seasoning blend

1 teaspoon garlic granules

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon basil

*********

1 cup very warm (nor boiling) water

2 tablespoons cooking oil (preferably olive oil)

Mix together the dry ingredients.

Add the warm water and oil. Knead until smooth, adding more flour if necessary.

Knead until smooth.

Allow to rest 10 minutes. (For bread sticks, allow to rest until doubled)

Punch down dough.

Add small amount of flour if necessary.

knead and shape.

Preheat oven to 375*

For breadsticks:  shape into rectangle on a heavily oiled baking sheet- preferably with sides.

Brush with garlic butter. (And Parmesan cheese, if desired!)

Cut into strips, without separating them.

Allow to rise until doubled.

Bake at 375* until done.

Pizza Crust

For pizza crust: After dough has rested 10 minutes, shape to fit your greased pan. Partially bake the crust for 7 minutes in preheated oven.

Top par-baked crust with seasoned tomato sauce ( I add basil, garlic, and italian seasoning blend directly to the can of tomato sauce and stir!) cheese, and toppings of your choice. Return to hot oven for 15 minutes, or until completely hot and crust is browned.