Summer is…
rainy days full of dress up fun. {cape, cuffs.}
and lots of this…
to escape that miserable 100 + degree Alabama heat.
Yes, we did de-tatch the slide from our back yard fort. Yes, we did put soap on it to make it more slippery. Yes, we did strip them down afterwards and bathe them outside. Yes, we are borderline redneck very fun parents.
Check back next week for Malone’s solo dive from the roof slip-n-slide. {Can I say epic? Because I never did and I think we might be over it.} It will be EPIC Incredible.
Speaking of incredible, today, I wanted to share one of my favorite recipes with you. I’m not usually a big recipe-sharer, because I’m not a big cook, unless it’s just over the top wonderful. {In my defense, I’m actually a pretty good cook} I just can’t be bothered because my children are super picky eaters. But I think we may be over our dry spell of PBJ and chicken nuggets, because they scarfed this faster than I could sit down with my helping, once I talked them into trying it. I’m feeling kind of inspired, and think I may get back on the horse again.
We had some friends over Saturday night, and she’s kind of a master chef. So I knew I had to bust out the big guns so I could show some foodie love. “I will woo our friends with my mother’s lasagna recipe,” I thought to myself. “And my children, if I can bribe them into trying it.”
I’m not really sure of its origins, but it’s ten kinds of a wondermous partay in your mizouth. I’m kind of a self proclaimed lasagna snob, because this is what I was raised on. Trust me. This one’s good, in a not-much-fuss kinda way.
What you’ll need: {For the first part.
1. 1 lb ground round
2. 1 clove garlic, minced. {for those of us who could care less about mincing garlic, 1 clove = 1/2 Tbsp. garlic salt}
3. 1 Tbsp Basil
4. 1.5 tsp salt
5. 1 – 8 oz can of tomato sauce
6. 1 – 6 oz can of tomato paste
7. 1 can tomatoes {cut up}
Brown your meat slowly. When its finished, I transfer it to a deeper boiler, and add ingredients 2-7. {sidenote: See the above pic? It’s a super handy adjustable measurer from Pampered Chef. Highly recommend. Yep. I spilled some garlic. I’m a total klutz.}
Simmer uncovered until thick, 45 mins – 1 hr stirring occasionally.
*Just a side note: when I made this recipe, I doubled up. So everything in these photos looks like more than you’d actually need.
For the second part of the recipe you will need:
6 lasagna noodles {3 in each layer}
The recipe calls for boiling, but I’m a short cuts kinda gal. So do this:
1/2 pound or 5-6 slices of mozzarella cheese + cheese mixture
Cheese mixture:
1. 1-24 oz. tub small curd cream style cottage cheese
2. 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
3. 1 beaten egg
4. 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
5. 2 Tbsp parsley flakes
While your meat mixture simmers, combine ingredients for your cheese mixture {1-5}
Looks gross. Tastes awesome.
1. Place 1/2 of noodles in a buttered, 9 x 12 dish. 2. Spread 1/2 of cheese mixture over noodles. 3. add 1/2 of mozzarella cheese 4. and 1/2 of meat sauce.
{little helpers in the kitchen make everything better. Emmy loves to cook! So does Mr. Lovie.}
repeat the above steps for the second layer.
place into oven at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.
Bust it out, share with your family + friends, and impress everyone in general with your mad gourmet cooking skillz.
As always, let me know if you try it.
{Ew! Ew! Lasagna Partay in the mizouth!}
Have a wonderful Monday, everyone!
Melissa D says
this is exactly like the lasagna I make, although sometimes I use a shortcut by just dolloping ricotta in the layer rather than making a full cheese mix. Also, you don’t have to use the special noodles — I just use the regular kind and keep my red sauce wet, if that makes sense, so the liquid can be absorbed by the noodles.
ashley @ the handmade home says
great suggestion! š
Kay Ellison says
waddup!!!! I tried it and it was awesome! I should have snagged some while you weren’t looking so I could eat it for lunch today.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Ps my kids ate your carrot cake for breakfast this am! š
Dallas H. says
Um, yes, best lasagna recipe EVAH!!!!! I was raised on this also and everytime I make it, it’s like I should be a star on Food Network with all the praise I receive.
ashley @ the handmade home says
I’m kind of surprised about how many people know about this! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to people’s homes and they break out the stouffers. And I feel like I’m eating mashed up baby food with its complete lack of wow. Just sayin. š
Jennifer says
my kids are SUCH picky eaters. but they’ve been watching Garfield on netflix lately, and Jack asked me this morning if I could make some lasagne. Ha! Perfect timing; this looks excellent!!
{btw, we moved our bed as you suggested, and I LOVE it. Love it love it.} woohoo!
KK says
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to give it a try. Especially with the “Oven Ready” Noodles. I’m all about the shortcuts.
wendy says
Yep, this is pretty much my recipe as well… except that I use regular noodles, and just throw them in uncooked. Also, I top my lasagna with a layer of bechamel sauce… http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/White-Sauce-or-Bechamel-Sauce-40046
Sooooo yummy!!
ashley @ the handmade home says
yes! I will have to try that! I was thinking there are so many ways to revamp this one…with chicken…with extra cheese…with fabulous additional toppings, etc. etc. etc. I’m now officially going to cook more. š
Myra @ My Blessed Life says
I’m going to have to try this recipe ASAP! Looks and sounds delish!!!! š
Centsational Girl says
Woah, that looks fabulous ! I rarely make lasagna only because when it’s good I just can’t stop until I’ve had three helpings. It’s a big problem that results in a big A*% unless I”m careful. But I’ve bookmarked, because I’m bad at following rules like “thou shalt not make lasagna”. Looks like y’all had a hootin’ hollerin’ good time in the backyard, summer bliss I tell ya.
xo
Kate
ashley @ the handmade home says
HAHA YES! trust me. I’m the same way. I just had my second helping of the day because I doubled up on the recipe. I love it. It IS a hootin hollerin kinda hootinany. WOOHOO! š
Charlene says
Yep..it’s the bestest…been makin’ it for….decades! Yikes!!
Dorothy says
Your recipe sounds terrific-so sweet of you. I just have to mention , off topic,that your kids COULD NOT POSSIBLY BE CUTER!!!!
Amber says
My mom always made this lasagna and now its all I can eat. I also cringe when I see a stauffers box!
Melissa says
Can you use jar-lic in place of garlic salt?
ashley @ the handmade home says
I am not sure I know what you mean! š
Shanon says
Ok so I’ve never made a lasagna before, I don’t know why I was so intimated by this chore… but I saw this recipe and figured I’d give it a go… it was AHHHHH-MAZING!! My husband was quite impressed and gobbled it all up!! Thank you for the great recipe, it wasn’t difficult at all! And I didn’t have the “cheater noodles” š I love love love your blog!!
Melissa says
Jar-lic is the diced garlic that comes in a jar.
Lydia says
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmm…looks so good!! I am going to try it. I just saw you yesterday on Nate and just got this website. Have been checking it out, all the cool ideas and now the recipes. Awesome!!! My new fav site!!! Thanks.
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you, Lydia! ;}