Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1 large onion , diced
8 garlic cloves , minced
2 cans diced tomatoes
2 cans tomato sauce
1 can tomato paste
1 cup red wine
1/2 cup diced sweet red pepper
1 large bay leaf
2 tablespoons crushed basil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cup chopped spinach leaves ( optional )
2 cups sliced mushrooms ( optional )
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes ( optional )
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 lb mozzarella cheese , shredded
3 cups low fat cottage cheese or 3 cups ricotta cheese
Karen's Lasagna is a classic comfort food dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck gathering. This recipe features layers of hearty ground beef and Italian sausage, smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce and topped with a blend of parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Though it can be time-consuming to prepare, the end result is well worth the effort, with every bite offering a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal!

Instructions

1.In a large pot, brown the ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through.
2.Drain any excess fat and add diced onions and garlic to the pot, sautéing for a few minutes until onions are translucent.
3.Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, sweet red pepper, bay leaf, crushed basil, dried oregano, brown sugar, parsley, and spinach and mushrooms (if using). Mix well and let simmer for 30 minutes.
4.Preheat oven to 375°F.
5.In a mixing bowl, mix together cottage cheese/ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese.
6.Spread a thin layer of meat sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer lasagna noodles on top, followed by a layer of cheese mixture. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with a layer of meat sauce.
7.Sprinkle remaining parmesan and mozzarella cheese over the top.
8.Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
9.Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

PROS

This lasagna recipe is hearty and filling, perfect for a cozy family dinner.

It can be made with low-fat cottage cheese or ricotta cheese for a healthier option.

CONS

This recipe can be time-consuming to prepare, as it requires multiple steps.

It is also high in calories due to the cheese and meat.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This recipe is a great source of protein and calcium, which are important nutrients for building and maintaining strong bones.
The tomato-based sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer.

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