Beef Florentine Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb ground beef, double minced
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup onion, minced
• 2 tbs butter
• 1 tbs oil
• 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (or Cottage Cheese)
• 1/2 cup canned button mushrooms, minced
• jar (32oz) Marinara or Italian Spaghetti Sauce
• One 10-oz package frozen spinach, thawed, drained and chopped
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried minced basil
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, put aside 1 tsp for topping
• 12-oz Mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Note: You may substitute beef with lean ground pork or minced chicken breast

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350F. Saute garlic, onions, mushrooms in butter and oil.
2. Add marinara or spaghetti sauce, salt and pepper and bring to a boil then simmer for about 15 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Cook lasagna a little longer than package instructions, say an additional 5-7 mins. Drain and set aside.
4. In a bowl, combine ricotta (or cottage cheese) and parmesan. Mix well.
5. In a baking dish (15x9) layer sauce, lasagna, ricotta mixture, spinach and mozzarella cheese.
6. Repeat layers ending with sauce, topped with mozzarella and sprinkled with parmesan.
7. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes.
8. Let stand for 10 minutes for easier serving.
9. Serve with sliced french baguette.