Michael’s easy lasagna | Quick tasty meals for families

Today on The Bates Kitchen, I’m in the kitchen with my sister Michael, ‪@KeilenCorner‬ who is a pro at feeding a crowd! Growing up, Michael could whip up a meal for 30+ people in an hour, and this lasagna is one of her go-to meals. Fast enough to throw together in time for dinner (boil regular lasagna sheets) or perfect to stash a few in the freezer for when needed (use the oven ready sheets and water the recipe calls for). This is also the perfect recipe to give to someone if you are the kind of person that takes meals to families when sick or after a birth etc, you can put it together and they can cook when they need! It’s hearty, comforting, and perfect to make ahead for busy weeks or big family gatherings.

We’re layering rich red sauce, a creamy cheese mixture, and oven-ready noodles to create a lasagna that’s both easy and delicious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week ahead, this recipe has you covered.

Let us know in the comments if you try it, and don’t forget to subscribe for more family recipes and cooking fun!

Red Sauce Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground turkey sausage
• 1 32 oz jar spaghetti sauce (4 cups)
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 onion, diced small
• 2 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp basil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

Cheese Sauce Ingredients:
• 32 oz cottage cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 2 tsp Italian herbs
• 1/2 tsp minced garlic
• Salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste

Other Ingredients:
• 1 box oven-ready lasagna noodles
• 3 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:
1. Preheat your oven to 360°F.
2. For the red sauce: Sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add ground beef and turkey sausage, cook until browned, and drain any excess fat. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and herbs. Let it simmer on low while preparing the cheese sauce.
3. For the cheese sauce: In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan, and seasonings until combined.
4. Assemble: Layer red sauce, oven-ready lasagna noodles, and cheese sauce. Repeat until your dish is full, ending with a layer of red sauce. Top with mozzarella cheese.
5. Pour 1/2 cup of water evenly over the top (this helps the noodles cook perfectly).
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes, uncovered, until bubbling and golden on top.
7. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

*Michael normally rinses the sauce jar out with a bit of milk. If cooking in a hurry, pre boil regular lasagna sheets, omit the half cup of water, and reduce cooking time to 25-30 minutes!

Pro Tip: This lasagna freezes beautifully! Assemble it ahead of time, without water, cover tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add water, and bake as directed.

Join us for a little sibling fun and some serious kitchen inspiration. Don’t miss this one!