Meatball Lasagna

This was the first time I have ever attempted to make lasagna.  I know it's not a super hard dish to make, but it just seemed like a lot of work when Stouffer's usually does the trick just fine.  :-)  Then I saw this recipe, and it looked so unique and yummy.  I had to try it.  Here's the recipe:

12 lasagna noodles

2 cups mozzarella cheese

1 (15oz) container ricotta cheese

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

2 t Italian seasoning

2 cups favorite pasta sauce ( I use Aunties Spaghetti Sauce, here)

24 meatballs (I use my turkey meatballs found here, but frozen is fine)

Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions and then lay flat on wax paper until ready to use. 

For the filling, mix ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.

To assemble, spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce in the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. On top place a layer of lasagna noodles. Then arrange a single layer of meatballs over top of noodles. Pour  more sauce over top of the meatballs. Then layer with another layer of noodles. Then spread the ricotta cheese mixture over top, then some more sauce and then about 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Then another layer of noodles. Finish it off with the rest of the sauce and the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and browned, about 40 minutes. Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

So I thought that this would be amazing, but it wasn't.  The meatballs were good, (I used a frozen kind from Trader Joe's) but that's about it.  :-)  It wasn't gross, but it's not something I'll make again.  

I also found out that my husband isn't a huge fan of ricotta cheese, which is a big ingredient in this recipe.  (and most lasagna recipes!)  My sister-in-law told me that she uses cottage cheese as a substitute and that it's really good, so I am going to have to try that... because I'm not ready to give up on lasagna.