I always here people complaining about making Lasagna! How it's a Saturday or special occasion meal. I never understood why since I have always used the no boil method, but I get it if you have to boil the noodles and if you were to make homemade sauce then yes I could see you saying it's too much work! But why miss out on the yumminess that is lasagna because of having to boil noodles and homemade sauce. Lasagna is one of our family's favorite meals and I make enough we actually have leftovers {a rarity in our house}!

Let's start with what you will need to make Lasagna!

Lasagna Noodles - No boil or regular I have found it REALLY doesn't matter!

2 pounds of a combination of ground beef, venison, or Italian sausage brown and seasoned. You can also add chopped up pepperoni if the mood suits it is a fun addition!

Can of diced tomatoes - I like the flavor the ones with garlic and olive oil adds!

1 container Ricotta Cheese (I use lofat or skim)

Powdered Parmesan and Romano Cheese

Shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella or other Italian Blend Cheese

1 1/2- 2 jars of your favorite tomato based pasta sauce

1 cup water

First off you need to brown your meat, making sure to crumble into itty bitty bits and mix all together this allows all the flavors to meld and so when you are eating your lasagna you're not like oh that's hamburger and then oh my there's Italian sausage. Season with garlic and your favorite Italian seasoning blend or Oregano and Basil. If adding pepperoni wait!

Then add your can of diced tomatoes to the meat and bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer. Bringing to a boil begins to break down the tomatoes allowing their flavor to be released.

Meanwhile, in a glass bowl mix the container of Ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of powdered Parmesan and Romano, and 1 cup of mozzarella or Italian blend cheeses such as provolone, Havarti etc. pop in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make it easier to stir together. That right there is my secret trick! That is what makes my lasagna different from your average lasagna!

Go back to your meat if adding pepperoni and stir it in now. I also add about half a jar of sauce.

Now it is time to assemble your lasagna!

I begin by pouring spaghetti sauce in a glass baking dish that I have sprayed with non-stick spray.

Then I put down a layer of noodles for a solid base, This helps hold all the layers together! Then on top of the noodles I add a thin layer of meat and tomato mixture.

Then I spread a think layer of the ricotta cheese mixture and sprinkle some of my grated Italian cheese on too!