Quick and easy lasagne using cooked penne instead of pasta sheets saves lots of time on this classic dish.

Quick and easy lasagne using cooked penne instead of pasta sheets saves lots of time on this classic dish.

Essential Baby member, mum of two, food editor and stylist, Melinda Henry whips up a family friendly meal.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Serves 4

Feed a family with this easy version of a classic favourite.  


Ingredients
250g penne
250g beef mince
250g pork mince
690g passata (pureed tomato)
salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup basil, chopped
¼ cup parsley, chopped
375g ricotta
1 cup grated tasty cheese


Method

  1. Place penne in a saucepan of boiling water and cook for 12 minutes or until al-denté. Drain.
  2. Place beef and pork mince in a frying pan and cook for 5 minutes. Add passata, salt and pepper and herbs and cook a further 2-3 minutes. Stir through pasta.
  3. Mix together ricotta and cheese. Place half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish. Top with 1/3 of the ricotta mixture and spread with a knife.
  4. Repeat with remaining pasta and ricotta mixtures then grill for 5 minutes or until cheese turns golden brown.

For more info on Melinda's meal planning service head to Meals by Mel.

For more info, help and last minute ideas head to our Recipes & Cooking forum.