Little Lasagnas
12 servings
1 16 ounce box no-boil lasagna noodles (noodles broken to fit size of pan)
2 24 ounce jars marinara sauce
1 medium shallot or onion, diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
1 stalk celery, ends trimmed and diced
2 bell peppers, trimmed and diced
Olive oil or cooking spray
1 pound ground chicken, turkey, sausage or beef
8 ounces non-dairy ricotta cheese (Lark Loves Kite Hill brand)
15 ounces ricotta cheese
8 ounces shredded mozzarella
8 ounces dairy free mozzarella shreds (Lark Loves Daiya brand)
4 eggs
Salt & pepper
1. COOK Veggies: Heat a medium sized saute pan on medium low heat and coat with 1 Tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray. Place diced shallot or onion, carrots, celery and bell peppers in the pan and stir for 1 minute. Allow vegetables to soften a bit in the pan for 5 minutes, stir again and add ½ teaspoon salt and pepper. Saute for 1 more minute and remove vegetables from the pan and place in a small dish.
2. COOK Meat: Wipe out the same pan with a paper towel and return to medium low heat and place ground meat in the pan for 7 minutes, breaking up meat to the same size and until it is equally cooked. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and pepper and stir for 1 more minute. Remove from heat and add one jar marinara sauce and stir until combined.
3. MAKE Ricotta Mix: In a small bowl combine 8 ounces ricotta with 2 eggs, stir to combine well. In another small bowl combine 8 ounces non-dairy ricotta cheese with 2 eggs, stir to combine well.
4. ASSEMBLE: (each one can be made differently according to dietary needs and preferences): Using individual ramekins (I used twelve-3 inch round) spray with cooking oil, layer (1 tablespoon each) plain or meat sauce, lasagna noodle, ricotta mix, vegetables (if desired), sauce, cheese, noodle, sauce, ricotta mix and cheese.
5. BAKE: 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until bubbly and browned on the top. Allow to set for a few minutes before eating and enjoy. If freezing lasagna, do so before baking and allow to thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.
