How was your Easter weekend? Ours was super busy! Connor had a soccer game Saturday afternoon, they won 2-0! Connor, along with his teammates, stopped all the opposing team’s attempts to score! I’m one proud Soccer Mom!

Then, we had 2 Easter services at church Saturday night and then our normal 3 yesterday morning. I sang with our worship teams in all 5 services…I’m so surprised I have a voice today!
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On tonight’s plate…something new and something Italian. I love pasta, it’s a weakness. If I could give up carbs, I would probably lose all the weight I need to lose!

I’ve never made lasagna before, so tonight’s meal was definitely a first… there is nothing fancy or exciting about this dish, in fact, it’s pretty basic. Even this novice cook wasn’t able to mess it up! Even though I tried…

It’s called “Extra-Easy Lasagna” from Southern Living Magazine…

Plate1

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground beef
4 cups tomato-basil pasta sauce
6 uncooked lasagna noodles
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 ½ cups (10 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup hot water

 

Directions:

1. In a large skillet brown and drain the ground beef, stir in the pasta sauce.
2. Spread 1/3 meat sauce in a lightly greased 11×7-inch baking dish; layer with 3 noodles and half each of ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese. (The ricotta cheese is pretty difficult to work with…I had to use one spoon to scoop and another to spread).
3. Repeat procedure; spread remaining 1/3 of meat sauce over mozzarella cheese.
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4. Slowly pour ¼ cup hot water around the inside edge of the baking dish.
5. Tightly cover dish with 2 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes; uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
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7. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.
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This was so cheesy, just like I like it and… like its name, it was extra easy to prepare! The Hubs wasn’t a big fan… he doesn’t like ricotta cheese all that much, but the kiddo raved about it! There are some leftovers, I’m sure it will be just as delicious, if not better, heated up tomorrow for lunch. I’ll probably half the recipe next time and maybe add some vegetables to the meat sauce, like green or red peppers, or some spinach for a little extra something.

I recommend this dish… if you try it, let me know if your family approves! Click HERE to head over to Southern Living’s website to find this recipe.

Until next time…
Happy Blogging!
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