~*~Luscious Lasagna~*~

A hearty Italian staple that's guaranteed to please.

Servings: 6-10
Prep Time: 30-40 minutes
Approx. Cost: $11, OR $1 per serving!

Ingredients
1 box lasagna noodles ($1)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 jar pasta sauce (i prefer tomato and basil or sweet onion flavored) ($2)
1lb ground beef or sausage (for a vegetarian spin, replace the meat with 1-2 cups of chopped peppers, onions, and tomatoes) ($4)
1 large container of ricotta cheese ($2)
1 bag of shredded mozarella ($2)

Step 1: Preparing the meat OR veggies!

In a medium sized pan, heat up the vegetable oil on medium heat. Add your meat or veggies and continuously stir until fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the noodles!

In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. You can add a little salt or oil to taste. Once the water is at full boil, gently drop in the lasagna noodles. If your pot isn't big enough, you can break the noodles in half. Cook the noodles until the are al dente, or still a little tough. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Lasagna!

Preheat the oven to 350.  Lightly grease a 13x9" pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a layer of noodles. Next, spoon on a layer of ricotta cheese, and spread it evenly. Cover the cheese with a layer of the sauce and meat/veggie. Now repeat all these layers again! Top the lasagna with one more noodle layer, and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake It!

Put the lasagna in the oven on the bottom rack. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is crispy and brown. Remove and let cool.

Step 5: Enjoy!




Leftover lasagna, if properly refrigerated, can usually last about a week. You can also freeze it and have it stay for months! 


Want to add your recipe to The Starving Artists? Email us at starvingartistsblog@gmail.com !

5 Things Every Kitchen Needs

Maybe one of the most essential factors to be able to prepare a cheap and last minute meal is keeping some key items in your kitchen. This simple list will provide you with enough basic ingredients to complete a full course meal any night of the week.

1. Couscous - A cheap an easy alternative to pasta and rice, couscous is one of those basic ingredients that is cheap in bulk and goes with anything. It also can be found in a wide variety of flavors, too.
2. Spices - I can't express this one enough!! Spices are essential, especially when you can't afford a lot of fresh ingredients. Spices are cheap and easy to find; I like to check out local Asian and Hispanic grocers for spices because they usually have the same products (if not better) as the larger chain markets, but at a more reasonable price. Some basic spices? Try oregano, basil, paprika, cinnamon, lemon pepper, and rosemary.
3. Root Vegetables - Cheap, filling, and can be dressed up a million ways. Root veggies can last for months in the fridge without going bad. They are also full of vitamins and nutrients, and fill you up fast making them last longer. A bag of carrots and potatoes can last a group of two about 2 months for under $5.
4. Oil - Vegetable oil, olive oil, canola oil, whatever you prefer, it's always good to keep it on hand.  Tons of recipes usually call for oil for frying, basting, or greasing. 
5. Frozen Fruit/Vegetables - Just as good as fresh produce, but 1/2 the cost! Plus, frozen fruits and veggies won't mold and rot if you don't use them right away. 

These are just some of the things I try to always keep in my kitchen, you might find you use all of these, or sometimes none at all. Keep an eye on what you use most, and you'll start saving money.

Want to add your recipes to The Starving Artists? Email us at starvingartisblog@gmail.com !