Mock Lasagna Casserole

  The cookbook Good Food on a Budget seems timely in these days of tough financial situations for many families. Groceries are rising rapidly so it is good to have some budget stretching meals to fix.

  I made this for supper tonight and Lyle thought it was great. I felt that there was too much cheese and at the cost of cheese, I will cut back on the amount by about a third the next time.  None of us like Lasagna noodles so this made a good substitute. I used bulk pork sausage from the meat counter in our local store and there again, I think the next time I will use half pork sausage and half ground beef.

  Like many recipes, after you try them as written, or even before, this type of recipe can be altered to your families tastes. Baking recipes are much harder to alter but most hot dishes and meat dishes can be safely changed. Serve with a warm bread and vegetable for a inexpensive meal

Mock Lasagna Casserole

1 pound bulk pork sausage (try half ground beef)

1 15-ounce can tomato sauce

½ cup water

½ teaspoon each garlic salt, pepper and dried basil leaves (try fresh garlic and salt instead)

1 7-ounce package macaroni, cooked and drained

1 ½ cups cream style cottage cheese

6 ounces process American cheese shredded ( could be cut)

Brown the meat; drain off fat. Add tomato sauce, garlic salt, pepper, basil and the ½ cup water. Cover, simmer 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, In a 2 quart casserole layer half each macaroni, cottage cheese, shredded cheese and meat sauce. Repeat layers.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Serves 6 to 8


Cost to make: Process cheese 1.70, Tomato Sauce 99¢, Pork Sausage 2.05, Cottage Cheese, 1.25, Barilla Elbow Macaroni 59¢. Cost per serving, (6 servings) : 1.10 per serving, (8 servings):83¢ per serving.