My family loves this recipe, and I love it because it doesn't take me all day to prepare it.
Italian Sausage Lasagna:
1 lb. bulk italian sausage or ground beef
1 med. onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried basil leaves
1 tsp sugar
1 can (14 1/2 oz) whole tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
8 uncooked lasanga noodles (fro, 16 oz pkg)
1 container (15 oz) ricotta chees or small curd cottage cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano leaves
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)
1. Cook sausage, onion and garlic in 10" skillet over med heat, stirring occasionally, until sausage is no longer pink; drain.
2. Stir in 2 Tablespoons of the parsley, the basil, sugar, tomatoes and tomato sause, breaking up tomatoes with a fork or snipping with kitchen shears. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered about 45 minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Cook and drain noodles as directed on package.
4. While noodles are cooking, mix ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese, the oregano and remaining 1 Tablespoon parsley.
5. Spread half of the sausage mixture (about 2 cups) in ungreased rectangular baking dish, 13x9x2". Top with 4 noodles. Spread half of the cheese mixture (about 1 cup) over noodles. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese.
6. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Uncover and bake about 15 minutes longer or until hot and bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes before cutting. Makes 8 servings.