mock lasagna

This uses no lasagna -- just leftover pasta.
Cook:
1 can minced tomatoes with 1 t Italian seasoning and 1/2 t salt.  Add 1/2 c minced cooked meat and heat.
Cook:
8 oz pasta or noodles.
Drain.  Add 1/2 T butter.  Then add:
1/2 c cottage cheese
1 well-beaten egg.
1 t Italian seasoning
Place half of pasta mixture in 9"x6" casserole.
Place 1/3 of 8 oz mozzarella cheese on top, and then 1/2 of tomato mixture, the rest of the pasta mixture, 1/3 of the mozzarella cheese, and finally the rest of the tomato mixture.
Bake for about 1/2 hour at 350F.
Add rest of cheese just before serving.  Heat till cheese is melted.

Cheddar Cheese Soup

Sauté chopped onions and peppers in butter.
Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken broth and milk. Simmer for 15 - 20 minutes.
Add cubed cheese just before serving.

Savory Cheese Rice

aka Weidman Rice (after a friend of ours)

1/3 c finely chopped green pepper
1-1/2 t. salt
1/2 c sliced green onions
3/4 c. white rice
3 T. butter (or oleo)
1 c. cubed Cheddar cheese (1/3lb)
2 c canned tomatoes (1 lb can)
1/2 c white dinner wine (sauterne)

Sauté green pepper, onion & rice in butter until tender. Add tomatoes, salt, and wine. Cover & cook over low heat for 25 min. or until rice is tender (or in microwave set on high for about 8-10 minutes). Just before serving, add cheese. Heat briefly .

OK to substitute: Port Salut cheese & water (or juice) for cheddar cheese and wine; tomato sauce or can of crushed tomatoes for canned tomatoes