Lasagna Toss

Do you love lasagna but hate the time it takes to make it? Have you ever wanted to make lasagna but hate heating up your whole house (especially in the summer time)? Well then this recipe is for you!

1 lb hamburger

2 green peppers, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 jar spaghetti sauce (26 oz)

1 2/3 cups water

1/4 cup Zesty Italian Dressing

12 oven ready lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (consider who will be eating it to determine noodle size)

1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions:

Brown meat in large saucepan (I needed my dutch oven to make this recipe); drain. Stir in peppers, garlic, spaghetti sauce, water, and dressing; bring to a boil. Add noodles; stir. Cover. Cook on medium-low heat 10 to 15 minutes or until noodles are tender, stirring occassionally. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with cheese; cover. Let stand 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

This is great served with bread sticks and salad. My family really enjoyed this lasagna alternative. My notes: my box of noodles came with 16 but the recipe calls for 12 so throw in some extra water or spaghetti sauce. I like to use the chunky spaghetti sauce (it contains mushrooms, peppers, etc.--a little extra veggies has never hurt anyone!). A little extra water will not hurt. Also, this recipe would be great with cottage cheese or ricotta cheese mixed in but added before the mozzarella cheese. Again, this was AWESOME!! Dave does not care for lasagna but he really liked this.

Substitute: Substitute 12 regular lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces, for the oven ready noodles. Increase water to 2 cups and cook 30 minutes, stirring occassionally.