“This faux-lasagna meal is an easy dinner that looks very attractive if served as suggested in the directions. Leave out meat (substitute mushrooms) for a vegetarian pasta meal.”
Ingredients
3cupsdry fusilli
2teaspoonsbutter
1teaspoonolive oil
1onion, peeled and chopped
1lblean ground beef
2cupsspaghetti sauce( your favourite from a jar, or homemade)
1 1/2 cupscottage cheese
1/2 cupfreshly grated parmesan cheese
2clovesgarlic, minced
2tablespoonsslivered fresh basil
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
Cook pasta according to package directions, just until al dente; drain well and set aside.
Meanwhile, while pasta is cooking, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat, add oil, then saute onion, stirring often, until onion is soft.
Increase heat to high and add ground beef.
Brown the beef, stirring frequently (this will take about 5 minutes).
Stir in sauce and cook until sauce is heated through; remove from heat.
In a large glass mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, parmesan, minced garlic, basil and pepper to taste.
Microwave this mixture on High for 2 minutes or until it’s very hot; let stand for 2 minutes.
Place cooked pasta in a prewarmed shallow serving bowl; top with meat sauce, but leave a border of pasta visible around the edges.
Top the meat sauce with the cheese mixture, again leaving a border of sauce visible.
Reviews
“This recipe makes a nice substitute for when you don’t have the time to make a pan of lasagna.It was quick and easy to prepare with all the flavorful makings of a good Italian dish.I will add that my husband still prefers a traditional pan lasagna but this sure did the trick in a pinch.Thanks! “
“Tasted very good.My kids love the long fusilli noodles.I sprinkled the top with a little mozzarella and popped it in the oven just long enough to melt the cheese.The cottage cheese mixture got a bit watery, and I think there could have been more of it. Maybe add some ricotta to it and/or an egg? I will make this again, but simply add ricotta to the cheese mixture to increase it.Thanx for shring!”
