"Not-So-Classic" Lasagna
Rated 5.0 stars by 2 users
Category
Cozy & Comforting
Servings
8
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
45 minutes
Author:
Three Farm Daughters
Forget the finicky layers of classic lasagna, that's just too time-consuming for busy weeknights! This fast-tracked pasta bake packs all the rich flavor of your favorite comfort food dish with none of the fuss.
Simply combine this easy-peasy bolognese pasta sauce with some cavatappi, dollop on some ricotta, and flash-bake for an express version that’s every bit as good as grandma’s secret recipe.
Ingredients
2 Boxes Three Farm Daughters Cavatappi
2 Brown Onions, chopped
5 fresh Garlic cloves, crushed
1 lb lean Ground Beef (or plant-based alternative)
1 tbsp Tomato Paste
3 tsp dried Oregano
2 Bay Leaves
28oz can Crushed Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
¾ cup Veggie or Chicken Broth
¼ cup Olive Oil
1 ½ cups Ricotta Cheese
½ cup Parmesan Cheese, shredded
½ cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
½ cup Parsley, chopped
Directions
Cook cavatappi to al dente, according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl, then set aside while you make the sauces.
Make Bolognese Sauce: Heat the oil in a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan on low-medium heat, and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
Turn up the heat and crumble in ground beef, stirring and breaking up clumps with a wooden spoon. Cook for 7-10 minutes until thoroughly browned with no pink remaining.
Add crushed garlic and tomato paste and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in canned crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, bay leaves and broth, and bring to just below boiling point. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-25 mins.
While the bolognese is simmering, mix together ricotta and parmesan in a small bowl, and season with salt and pepper.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
To assemble, spread ⅓ of the bolognese sauce on the base of a large greased baking dish. Pour over half your cooked cavatappi, then another ⅓ layer of bolognese sauce. Spread half the ricotta mixture over, then repeat layers, finishing with the ricotta layer on top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and bake for 20 mins until golden and bubbly.
To serve, sprinkle top with chopped parsley and serve with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food feast.