Christmas Lasagna

One of my favorite meals to make for Christmas dinner is lasagna.  It just adds warmth to the day and best of all can be assembled ahead of time and then just baked off on Christmas day.

Probably the hardest thing about blogging about this recipe is that there is no recipe.  I have never made Lasagna the same way twice (similar issue I have with Chili).  See, that is why I love cooking so much, it really is all about just throwing ingredients together, whatever sounds good, and hoping for a great turnout.  Baking is to precise, which is why I rarely bake.  So, in my best estimates, here is my recipe for Lasagna.

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef

1 lb Italian sausage (I buy spicy)
Lasagna noodles
1 onion, chopped
Mushrooms, about a cup
4-5 cloves garlic
1 jar spaghetti sauce
8 oz ricotta cheese
8 oz cottage cheese
2 eggs
1 cups Parmesan cheese (divided)
12 slices of mozzarella cheese
1 cup of Colby/Monterrey Jack cheese

Directions:
Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water about 5 minutes, don’t cook all the way, just soften, they will cook more in the oven.
Brown hamburger and sausage in skillet.

Add chipped onions, mushrooms, and garlic

 While that is browning, mix ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and 2 eggs in bowl.  Mix.

When meat is brown, add spaghetti sauce.

Assembly:
Line bottom of 9×13 pan with layer of noodles.
Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce.
Top with 6 slices of mozzarella cheese

Add another layer of lasagna noodles.
Take ricotta cheese mixture and spread on top of noodles.

Top with 1/3 of the meat sauce.
Top with 6 slices of mozzarella cheese
Add final layer of lasagna noodles.
Top with remaining 1/3 of the meat sauce.
Top with Colby/Monterrey Jack cheese.
Top with 1 cup of Parmesan cheese.

 Add cut up peppers to make a tree for Christmas.

Bake in 375 degree oven for 45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Let sit for 10 minutes and then serve.