Friday, July 20, 2007

Lasagna--Freezer Meal

While at my Grandparent's home, I made freezer meals. I make them almost every time we go. They go a long way in helping my aunt who works full time and takes care of Grandpa and Grandma. I love it that I can do something to help them out. Living far away has it's disadvantages. Anyway, I thought I'd share some of the recipes that are tried and true favorites. I think I'll spread it out, to add to the fun and to bring you back looking for more! :)

Before I share tonight's recipe, I'd like to mention Mrs. Pear's blog. I found her through Making a house a home. I've just read the first 5 or so entries, but I really like it and her. She likes making freezer meals and she loves Crayola's (which I'll tell you about in another post). If I find out that her favorite color is orange (which I'll tell you about in yet another post), then I'll know we are long lost sisters, twins or something of the sort.

The best thing about this lasagna recipe is that you don't cook the noodles. Isn't that the worst part of making lasagna? Don't give into the madness ladies. Follow this recipe for yummy goodness right from your freezer.

One Step Lasagna

1 lb. ground beef
9 pieces of lasagna
32 oz. spaghetti sauce
12 oz. or 3 c. mozzarella shredded cheese
¾ c. water
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. basil
1 tsp. oregano
12 oz. cottage cheese
1 egg beaten

In a skillet, brown beef; drain. Stir in spaghetti sauce, water, basil, and oregano. Simmer 10-15 min. In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese and egg. In an ungreased 13x9 pan, layer one third of the noodles, one third of the cottage cheese mixture and one third of the meat sauce. Sprinkle some mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers twice ending with the mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for another 30 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

To freeze: Before baking, cover with heavy duty foil and freeze no longer than 6 months. Let thaw before baking.

For my grandparents and aunt, I triple the recipe and instead of 13x9 pans, I use 9x9 pans. I also only do two layers ending with the mozzarella cheese. It makes a lot of pans.

3 comments:

  1. How funny! I just posted the same type stuff after reading Mrs. Pear's site. I must've went through the same blog as you to get there! LOL

    I've already gotten 14 hamburger patties and 2 meatloaves in the freezer from doing it her way.

    I should try this lasagna next week! Thanks for the recipe!

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  2. Later in the month of August I plan to make some freezer meals. I do this a couple of times during the homeschool year and it sure makes busy days so much easier!

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  3. I just made this recipe the other night, and it was amazing! I used whole wheat lasagna noodles, and was a little skeptical that they would cook enough, but they were perfect! The recipe made two - two-layer 9x13 pans, plus a little two-layer 8x8 lasagna. My 9x13 disposable pans were quite shallow. I can't wait to eat the other 2 lasagnas out of the freezer! Awesome recipe!

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