Simple Lasagna

I LOVE traditional lasagna, but I don't always have the time it takes to make it. That's why I am sharing this simple version of a classic dish.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time:1 hour 35 mins

1 container (15 oz) part skim ricotta cheese
2-1/2 cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese, divided
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 26 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
1 lb ground beef, browned, drained
1 cup water
12 lasagna noodles, uncooked

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix ricotta cheese, 1-1/4 cups of the mozzarella cheese, 1/3 cup of the Parmesan cheese, parsley and egg until well blended; set aside.

Pour spaghetti sauce into meat in skillet. Pour water into empty sauce jar; cover and shake well. Pour into skillet; stir until well mixed. (This will yield about 5 cups of sauce.)

Place 1 cup cup meat sauce on bottom of 13x9 inch baking dish. (Keeps noodles from sticking.)

Layer 3 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture and 1 cup of meat sauce. Repeat layers 2 more times. Top with remaining 3 noodles and sauce.

Sprinkle with remainin 1-1/4 cups mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover tightly with greased alumium foil. Bake 45 minutes or until cooked through.

Remove foil and bake an additional 15 mins or until bubbling. Let stand 15 mins before cutting for easier serving.

Makes 12 servings