Fake Lasagna Bake

Hi folks! It's been ages, I know, but I've finally had some time to finalize a few more recipes. I think you'll like this one.

Every now and again you just want lasagna, but we all know how time consuming it is... this is pretty darn close and half the time, plus I think your kids will like it.

Ingredients:

1 lb mild Italian sausage. (Casing removed if you get the links)

2 cups uncooked penne pasta

1 jar spaghetti sauce (I use Ragu Robusto with onion and garlic)

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups mozzarella cheese

1 egg

1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Parmesan to taste

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Boil the 2 cups penne in lightly salted water until al dente. (Don't under cook this one thinking it will cook in the oven, this won't be in the oven long enough.)

While the penne is cooking, brown your sausage like you would ground beef. When beef is browned, add the entire jar of pasta sauce. Let simmer on low while the pasta is cooking.

Mix your ricotta cheese, egg and Italian seasoning in a separate bowl.

When the pasta is cooked, mix it in with your meat and sauce mixture. You're now ready to assemble.

Into a baking dish, pour half your meat/pasta/sauce mixture. Level it out as best you can.

On top of this layer, spread out half of your ricotta cheese.

Sprinkle half your desired Parmesan on top of the ricotta.

Cover with one cup mozzarella.

Repeat the layers using the rest of your meat mixture, then your ricotta, then your mozzarella.

Sprinkle more Parmesan on top if desired.

Cover the pan in foil and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and allow the cheese to cook to desired brown-ness.

Let sit for about 5 minutes and serve.

Enjoy!