Simply Traditional Lasagna

A traditional lasagna, with about half the time and effort! I always cook extra to have leftovers, but the more I cook, the more they eat! Serve with garlic toast and salad.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 40 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 736 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried sage
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sliced black olives
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 pinch basil
• 2 (14 ounce) jars marinara sauce

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Step 2

Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease. Stir in the water and black olives, and season with basil, garlic powder, oregano, sage, pepper, minced garlic, and onion flakes. Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the marinara sauce, and remove from the heat.

Step 3

Place a layer of the meat and sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with a layer of dry noodles. Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles, and sprinkle with a little mozzarella cheese. Cover with another layer of sauce, and repeat layering ending with the meat and sauce on top. Reserve about 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese for later.

Step 4

Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven, but check after 30 minutes depending on how thick the lasagna is. Lasagna is cooked when you can easily stick a knife into it. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top, and return to the oven for about 10 minutes for a nice melted cheese topping.