Barely Acceptable Lasagna

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lasagna noodles
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 6-oz cans tomato paste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the ricotta and 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese.
4. Spread 1/2 of the tomato sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place a layer of noodles over the sauce, then spread 1/2 of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Repeat layers twice more.
5. Spread remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese. Lightly sprinkle with parmesan.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, and continue baking 5 more minutes until bubbly. Let stand for 10 minutes, then serve.

 

This lasagna requires barely any effort but will satisfy your in-laws' expectations of an adequate dinner party meal. Using canned and pre-shredded ingredients minimizes work, while an excess of tomato sauce and cheese covers up the overall lack of care or quality. Simply layer the noodles, sauces and cheeses and throw it in the oven - barely acceptable for boring dinner guests you'd rather avoid! Buon appetito!