Easy Cheesy Lasagna

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound bulk Italian sausage
• 1 cup sliced black olives
• 0.5 cups warm water
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons dried sage
• 1 pinch dry basil
• 2 jars marinara sauce , 14 ounce
• 1 package lasagna noodles , 16 ounce
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese , shredded

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook ground beef and Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled; drain excess grease. Stir in olives and water; season with minced garlic, oregano, onion flakes, garlic powder, pepper, sage, and basil. Simmer, stirring frequently, about 15 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and remove from the heat.

2. 2

   Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

3. 3

   Spoon a layer of meat and sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover with a layer of dry noodles. Spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese over noodles; sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese. Cover with another layer of sauce; repeat layering, ending with meat and sauce on top. Reserve about 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.

4. 4

   Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, checking after 30 minutes. Lasagna is cooked when it's easily pierced with a knife. Sprinkle reserved mozzarella cheese over lasagna and bake until melted, about 10 minutes more.