Cooking for Multiple Families

Over the weekend we had three families come over all with small children. Our idea of an evening with friends is very different than what it was a few years ago but we had such a good time with everyone. Having the get together at our house was a great way for the children to be able to play and run around while the adults got to talk. I have never cooked for so many people nor for so many age groups before. Before I started to panic I decided to do something quick, easy and one dish that everyone could enjoy. I did my favorite lasagna. I know I posted the idea already but I didn't give a recipe nor did I know it would be great for a large crowd. I made the lasagna and garlic bread and our friends brought a salad and dessert.

Here is the super easy recipe which I used:

Prep Time ~ 20 mins and cook time is about 1 hour

Serves around 10 people

Ingredients:

About 12 pieces of uncooked lasagna noodles

2 Cups Cottage Cheese (can use low fat if desired)

2 Cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)

1/2 c. parmesan cheese

2 eggs- lightly beaten

6 cups of any pasta sauce

1 LBS ground beef or ground turkey (brown the meat and drain)

(You can also add any veggie you wish to the layering-spinach works well)

Preheat to 350

In a medium bowl add cottage cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese and eggs-mix well

In another bowl add the browned meat to the pasta sauce

In a 9"x13" pan spread 1 cup of the meat/sauce mixture on the bottom

Place 1/3 of the noodles on top.

Spread half of the cheese mixture over the noodles and top with another 1/3 of the meat sauce.

Repeat layering and top remaining noodles with eat sauce mixture

Cover with foil and cook for 55 minutes

Uncover and sprinkle with left over mozzarella cheese (or as much as you like)

Bake for 5 more minutes

Let stand 15 minutes before cutting in to it.