New Year, New Lasagna Casserole in Tales from the kitchen witch

Im going to bring in the new year with an epic lasagna.
As always my recipes are for my big family, but this is EASILY split up for a smaller household.
This is not a “fat busting” recipe or a “healthy” recipie. This is a cheat day, eat the cheese gooey meal.

First thing, FRESH HERBs, Not joking. Do not use dried herbs in this. You will 100% regret it.
Fresh Oregano, Basil and Sage. Finely dice and mix in a baggie together.

2 cups ricotta cheese ( whole fat) ( you can also sub cream cheese or cottage cheese, but I have not tired this, just heard about it)
2 cups parmesan ( Shredded, not powdered)
2 cups shredded Sharp cheddar. You will NOT regret this one.
2 cups shredded mozzarella.
1 cup Italian cheese blend
1 12 oz tub of oil packed herb mozzarella ( this is at walmart, in the great value. This is a MUST BUY) You will use both the oil AND the cheese. Chop the cheese and set the oil aside.
32 oz egg noodles ( or pasta of choice, you could do manicotti noodles, lasagna noodles ect. the store was out of manicotti, so I got our favorite egg noodles.
2 lbs ground beef. Use the good stuff, at least 90% meat 10% fat. Preferably 97% , Crumbled and sauteed with additional fresh herbs. If nothing else, Basil! Use a bit of the seasoned oil to flavor.
32 oz marinara sauce (two jars)

How I make this ultimate dish.

In a large bowl. Dump your cheeses. Start mixing, Sprinkle in basil at minimum. Pour over a bit of the oil from the mozzi. Mix well. Set aside.

Mix your marinara sauce into the ground beef.

Spray bottom of disposable foil pants with cooking spray. Yes This one I do in disposable pans. 1, easy to freeze if you want to make ahead of time. 2, Cheese is a mess cleaning up!

For non stuffed shells.
This is for TWO pans of lasagna.
Later your pasta and mix with the oil from the cheese. Roughly 1-2 tablespoons is enough, then a thick layer of your cheese mix ( roughly 1/4). Layer in HALF your meat mixture. Layer additional noodles. Top with any sauce left over. Layer another 1/4 of your cheese mix. Sprinkle herbs on top. Be generous!

Bake for roughly 2 hours. or till all your cheeses are melty and the INSIDE of your bake is warm!

For stuffed shells.
Boil shells till al-dente or slightly softened. Stuff full with cheese blends. Layer on top meat and sauce mix, Top with remaining cheese. Bake.

This recipe like I said is a high fat, high calorie meal.
This nutrition information is for a 2x2 inch square based on the ingredients listed above. To be realistic, I wont eat a 2x2. But that is the size I measure for per pan haha.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 24
Amount per serving
Calories 449
% Daily Value
Total Fat 14.7g 19%
Saturated Fat 6.3g 31%
Cholesterol 66mg 22%
Sodium 722mg 31%
Total Carbohydrate 64.2g 23%
Dietary Fiber 12.2g 43%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 18g
Vitamin D 0mcg 0%
Calcium 468mg 36%
Iron 8mg 47%
Potassium 782mg 17%
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.