Impossibly Easy Lasagna Pie

What exactly does one make when one is dining alone and doesn't usually cook for her solitary self. Pasta was out because we had it the night before, although that rule's been broken before. Breakfast was out because I'd already had one and the old standby PBJ sandwich just didn't cut the mustard. Oh as for mustard, I didn't have any of that either and didn't feel like making it so a hotdog was out too. I mean can't have one of those without mustard can you? Well when in doubt bring Betty Crocker out. That kinda' rhymes doesn't it? 

An impossible pie seemed like an excellent choice. Did you know that Bisquick's been around since the early 1930's? Apparently an executive from General Mills was on a train and met the dining car chef who mixed lard with dry ingredients in advance to get a jump on his biscuit making. Amazing how something so simple to make can be made even more convenient, but most of us buy the darn stuff don't we. Even I have to admit it come in handy for a multitude of things and most often for our Sunday morning pancakes.

This particular slice of impossible pie was made with a single link of hot Italian sausage, some defrosted frozen spinach, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, a touch of ricotta and the usual baking mix, eggs and milk. Ready in less than 50 minutes and served with a touch of extra marinara sauce on the side, it's a testament to ingenuity and desperation both of which were hunger driven. Pretty good incentive, wouldn't you say?

By the way I'm also attaching a recipe for a homemade baking mix that you can whip up and hide in your freezer almost indefinitely, if it lasts that long. It's just as good as the brand name stuff and the bonus is you know what goes into it because you put it there.

Impossibly Easy Lasagna Pie (adapted from bettycrocker.com)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 link hot Italian sausage, casing removed

1/2 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and moisture squeezed out

2/3 cup marinara sauce (I used Trader Joe’s)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

3 tablespoons fresh grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

½ cup ricotta cheese

½ cup baking mix  (i.e. Bisquick or Pioneer)

2 eggs

1 cup milk

Heat a large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add olive oil and when hot, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes, then add crumbled Italian sausage and cook until sausage is no longer pink and onion is soft. Stir in spinach, marinara sauce, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, black pepper and red pepper flakes.

Preheat oven to 400. Spray a 9 inch pie plate with cooking spray and spread ricotta cheese on the bottom. Top with Italian sausage/spinach mixture, spreading evenly. In a small bowl, beat eggs and add baking mix, beating until smooth.  Whisk in milk until well combined. Place pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and then pour egg, milk, Bisquick mixture over top of pie. Bake for 35 minutes or until firm in the center. Remove from oven and top with the rest of the mozzarella cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with additional marinara sauce on the side if you wish. Makes 6 servings.

Homemade Baking Mix

8 cups all purpose flour

1-1/2 cups non fat dry powdered milk

1/4 cup baking powder

1 tablespoon salt

1-1/2 cups shortening

Combine dry ingredients together until well mixed. Cut in shortening until the size of small peas. Store  in freezer in an airtight container for several months.

To make biscuits, with a fork combine 2 cups baking mix with 1/3 to 1/2 cup water using just enough liquid to make a soft dough. Turn out onto floured surface and pat until 3/4 inch thick. Cut with biscuit cutter and bake at 450 for 12 minutes or until golden brown.

Comments

[Nanan]

Ya shoulda put peas in it - HA!

[June]

You're right. A whole pound of 'em. LOL

[Mary from Apron Strings & Wedding Rings]

It's so difficult to cook for yourself. Kudos for making this Bisquick Pie. Hope it was good! Will be using this recipe when Tim goes to Myrtle Beach for his annual golfing spree!! - Mary L.

[pam]

Now that is fabulous eating for one!

[June]

Pam - it was. Over and over and over and over. LOL

Mary - I really enjoyed it because the spinach was quite front and center with just a nice hint of spicy heat from the sausage. Let me know what you think, OK?

[Tom @ Tall Clover Farm]

June this looks like the perfect addition to my recipe file box category: Week-of-eating: Leftovers-too-good-not-to-finish-up. Another winner and I love the Bisquick recipe too -- thanks! TC

[June]

Tom - happy to oblige! I thought of you this morning as I was buying rhubarb at my favorite store. It's here (finally) and I just happen to have some raspberries in the freezer. I hear a pie calling! Have you made one yet?