Macaroni Cheese Lasagne: A Comforting and Versatile Dish

Macaroni cheese lasagne is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the creaminess of macaroni cheese with the hearty flavors of lasagna. It is a perfect meal for a cold winter night or a casual family gathering.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound lasagna noodles
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 cups macaroni and cheese, prepared according to package directions
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions.
3. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Add onion and garlic to skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
7. Spread 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
8. Top with 1/3 of the cooked lasagna noodles.
9. Spread with 1/2 of the macaroni and cheese.
10. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
11. Repeat layers twice more.
12. Top with mozzarella cheese.
13. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

* For a more flavorful lasagna, use a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage.
* Add cooked vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, to the meat sauce.
* Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
* Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations:

* Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of lasagna noodles.
* Make a vegetarian lasagna by using vegetable broth instead of meat sauce.
* Add a layer of ricotta cheese between the meat sauce and macaroni and cheese.
* Top with a bechamel sauce instead of mozzarella cheese.

Macaroni cheese lasagna is a versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to your own tastes and preferences. It is sure to become a favorite comfort food for your family and friends.