Not Lasagna Pasta
I love the taste of lasagna but absolutely hate the whole process of making it, especially as a busy mom of 4. So here’s my own twist on lasagna but it’s not lasagna — it’s simply pasta with all the lasagna flavors.
Ingredients:
- your choice of pasta (I prefer angel hair or cavatappi)
- ground beef (I use 1.5 lbs for 6 of us)
- 1.5 (8oz) cans of tomato sauce
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- dried basil flakes
- dried parsley flakes
- crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper
- cottage cheese
- shredded “pizza” cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- OPTIONAL - shredded ghost pepper/habanero cheese
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions:
1. Boil your pasta according to the package instructions. Salt the water like your ancestors are watching. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta is boiling, brown the ground beef in a large skillet on medium heat. Season with garlic salt powder, onion powder, black pepper, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a lil’ kick).
3. Once the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, drain any excess grease (unless you’re like me and just live dangerously).
4. Turn the heat to low and add your tomato sauce, parsley, and a pinch of basil. and about 1/4 cup of water to the beef. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to get all those flavors cozy.
5. Next, add a few dollops of cottage cheese right into the meat sauce. Stir it up — don’t be scared. It melts down and makes everything creamy like a fake lasagna should be.
6. Now mix in a handful of shredded pizza cheese and mozzarella. If you’re feelin’ spicy, go ahead and throw in some ghost pepper or habanero cheese. Stir until the cheese is all melted and gooey.
7. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet or mix everything together in a big ol’ pot — whatever works. Coat every noodle in that creamy, cheesy sauce.
8. Serve hot, top with a lil’ extra shredded cheese if you’re feeling fancy (or just trying to survive another dinner rush), and boom — lazy lasagna pasta is served!
Thank me later 😌
That what baked ziti is🙄